Gordon H. Simmons, Lt. Col. US Army (retired), 91, died Tuesday, February 21, 2012 in his home surrounded by his family.

Gordon was born October 31, 1920 in Sheridan, Wyoming to Henry and Mabel Simmons. He grew up in Sheridan at the base of the Big Horn Mountains where he spent much of his childhood learning to fish and to hunt, and he frequently spoke of his fond memories of the area. He was active as a child in the Boy Scouts, and in 1935 he was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Sheridan H.S. in 1938 and then enrolled at Colorado State University. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and completed Army ROTC training, graduating in 1943 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agronomy.

He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant, US Army in 1943. He attended officers training and artillery training schools in Fort Sill, Oklahoma and Fort Bragg North Carolina in preparation for deployment to the European Theater. From 1945 – 1947, he was assigned to the Philippines and participated in the liberation of Manila. Upon the surrender of Japan, he helped process US POW's for their return to the US. He briefly separated from active duty in 1947. During his separation from active duty he worked for a local bank for a year and a half where he met his wife, Joan Laya. That same year he joined the 300th Armored Field Artillery Battalion and prepared for deployment to Korea from Fort Lewis, Washington. He arrived in Korea in early 1951 and immediately entered combat. The 300th was the most highly decorated unit in the Korean conflict and Colonel Simmons was instrumental in leading the 300th safely out of a number of difficult and dangerous combat situations. In 1952, upon his return from Korea, he commanded the 538th Field Artillery Battalion in Fort Collins, Colorado. That same year he married Joan Laya, also of Sheridan, Wyoming. Together they raised five children. From 1953 -1954, he was assigned Field Artillery advisor to the 1st Turkish Army Artillery commanding general. He lived in Istanbul and traveled that country extensively.

From 1955-1958, he was senior advisor to the Illinois Army Reserve and was stationed in Peoria. His next assignment took him to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he provided academic instruction for student officers. In 1960 he was transferred to Germany and his family was fortunate to accompany him. While there he was commander of the 3rd Missile Battalion 21st Artillery, and was executive officer to the 212th Artillery group. The highlight of the tour was the famous visit to Germany by President Jack Kennedy, and his unit was instrumental in preparing for the President's visit. In 1964, he and his family returned to the states, and his final assignment was to Fort Missoula, where he was a professor of Military Science at the University of Montana. Gordon and Joan were happy to be out West, and in the mountains that they knew and loved. He retired from military service in 1967. For his service to his country he was the recipient of the Bronze Star for Valor and the Meritorious Service Medal. He was recognized by the field artillery community by being awarded the Order of St. Barbara Medal.

His belief in public education was profound and for the next twenty-four years he dedicated his life to public service in an effort to strengthen and improve public education. He was a school board member of Target Range Elementary District from 1964-1976, and then was elected as a Trustee to Missoula County High School District from 1970-1984, during which time he served as chairman of both boards. As a member of the Montana School Boards Association, he served six years on the Board of Directors of that association. In 1978, he was appointed by Montana governor, Ted Schwinden, to serve on the Montana Council of Vocational Education with his service terminating in 1995. His four youngest children were thrilled to have received their 8th grade and high school diplomas from him.

Finally he was able to put his agronomy degree to use by growing a prolific vegetable garden, and he and his wife Joan partnered in their passionate joint effort. He kept a gardening diary and one year wrote under Lessons Learned: "Don't grow Swiss chard if nobody's going to use it."

Gordon's wife, Joan, of 45 years preceded him in death, as well as, his father, Henry Simmons, his mother, Mabel Simmons and his brother Don Simmons, all formerly of Sheridan, Wyoming.

He is survived by children Carole Ahler, (Rick) Helena, Sarah Lester (Rick) Missoula, Natalie Simmons (Andrew Forsythe) Missoula, David Simmons (Colleen) Ventura, California and Janet Simmons,, Naperville, Illinois; grandchildren Matt Hermes, Missoula, Jeff Hermes, Spokane Valley, Tyson Lester, Redlands, California, Paige Lester, Washington DC, Ben Bazzett, Eve Bazzett and Grace Bazzett all from Naperville, Illinois.

The entire Simmons family extends heartfelt gratitude and thanks to Gordon's care givers, especially Sara, Darla and Ann, during the two years preceding his passing. Their compassion, friendship and dedication to his well being and comfort will never be forgotten.

Visitation is scheduled on Friday, March 2, 2012 from 10:00 am to 10:45 am at Garden City Funeral Home, with a funeral service beginning at 11:00 am.

The Sheridan Press - February 29, 2012.