Lyman Simmons Jr.

Lyman Boyd Simmons Jr., 78, of Scott City peacefully passed away Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau with his three proudest accomplishments by his side.

Not being able to catch a break, Southeast is where he spent a lot of his time since January. Boyd became pretty fond of the nurses and staff there, and he learned quickly he was able to talk his way into real milkshakes instead of what he was supposed to have. He rolled through his wellness journey with unbreakable positivity and fierce determination.

He was born Feb. 17, 1943, in Cape Girardeau, son of Lyman B. and Nellie Swope Simmons Sr. He and Tempa Wolfe were married May 16, 1965, in Scott City.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Boyd spent most of his adult life working on the railroad, from St. Louis to Louisiana, on to Mississippi and eventually moving back to Missouri, where he retired from the BNSF Railroad as an engineer.

His retirement allowed him to do some of his favorite things, like mowing the entire block on East Olive, literally; being an amazing caretaker for his younger brother, Tommy, until his passing; playing rummy with his grandkids and kids, and fishing as much as he was able too. His last fishing trip was with his kids on Sept. 11, when he was able to use his new pole. His family is so thankful for those few hours.

Survivors include dear friend and companion, JoAnn Gibbar; two sons, Tracy (Monica) Simmons of Houston, Mississippi, and Brian (Jennifer) Simmons of Scott City; daughter, Angela Gross of Jackson; a sister, Nevada (Chuck) Moore of Las Vegas, Nevada; nine grandchildren, Cody, Samantha, Riley, Dawson, Sarah, Stephen, Micah, Brendan and Samuel; and five great-grandchildren, Teagen, Kenzi, Leighton, Nevaeh and Waylin.

Boyd was preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Tempa; his mother, Nellie Swope Simmons; father, Lyman Simmons; and brothers, Dale and Tommy.

Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday at the Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial with full military honors will be in Oakdale Cemetery in Commerce, Missouri.

Online condolences may be shared at www.amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com.