Lewis Russell Simmons, Jr.

Lewis Russell Simmons, Jr., 93, formerly of Severy, KS and a longtime resident of Augusta, KS, passed away February 20, 2024.

Viewing will be on Monday, February 26, 2024 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and visitation with the family present following from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Headley Funeral Chapel, Augusta. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at the First Baptist Church, 1501 State St., Augusta, KS. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, Augusta.

Lewis was born June 18, 1930 in Reading, KS, the son of Lewis Russell Simmons and Opal Simmons. He married Joann McKinney on December 30, 1988, 35 years ago in Wichita, KS.

Lewis was retired at the time of his death, but during that time he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and lay pastor of First Baptist Church in Augusta. He knew his scripture and would help others in understanding them. He was a regular at many of the funerals in Augusta and did visitation to the sick and those in need. Even though he was a retired real estate agent, he was still involved in the mitigation of many real estate legal cases. He also loved doing real estate appraisals. 

He was an owner and founder of Simmons Realty of Augusta, KS. As a real estate agent, his real joy was helping young couples find their first home. During that time he also formed Little Nell Oil Company with a co-partner, and had pumps all around Augusta and El Dorado. Before oil and real estate, he owned and ran Simmons Insurance Agency.  

At the young age of 17, he was the principal of Tonovay Elementary & High School in Tonovay, KS. It was a one room elementary & high school combined. 

Lewis loved the Lord, family, people, and the Butler County land. He was always so positive and encouraging. It was not uncommon to see him talking to neighbors and others when he took his daily walks and daily rounds in downtown Augusta greeting fellow Augustans. 

There was a time when he had a faithful collie named Lassie, and he loved to drive him around in his pickup truck. He would often be seen buying Lassie his favorite treat from Bob's Burger Bar, a vanilla ice cream cone. 

A little known fact about Lewis was that he was a wonderful musician. He could play the trumpet and clarinet and even sang at his sister's wedding. He loved the Glenn Miller Band and the Gaithers! 

His favorite sports were fishing and hunting. He was a KU sports fan, and a KC Chiefs fan. Lewis always attended all of his grandkid's sporting events.

He knew his history - he was a walking encyclopedia, and a great story teller with a magnetic personality. 

Lewis is survived by his wife, Joann; sons, Brian Simmons and wife Candice, Mark Simmons and wife Donna; daughter, Debra Robinson and husband Larry; sister in law, Vickey Simmons; step sons, David McKinney and wife Susie, Rick McKinney and wife LeeAnn; sister, Joyce Mann (Bob); grandchildren, Sarah Simmons, Charity Arnold (Robert), Joy Skerik (Todd), David Simmons (Prisca), Joanna Lewis (Andrew), Mark Simmons, Jr., Matthew Simmons (Karla); step grandchildren, Ashley McKinney, Shanna Payne (Nathan), Cole McKinney (Rachel), Paige Pippin (Drew); great grandchildren, Aliyah, Rosalyn, Aidan, Elise, James (Jenni), Brianna (Aaron), David, Rachel (Talbot), Shiloh, Will, James, Conor; step great grandchildren, Hoyt, Hudsyn, Hamptyn, Max, Ridge, Stella, Arbor, Ava, Andy, Brooks, Will; great-great grandchildren, Alice, Olivia, Sammy, Zakai. He was preceded in death by his son, Randy Simmons; brother, J.W. Simmons; grandson, Samuel Simmons.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church, 1501 State Street, Augusta, KS 67010, fbcaugustaks.org.

We love you, Lewis: husband, dad, grandpa, friend, and neighbor! Your presence will be missed by us and by all in the town you loved and called home, Augusta!