Floyd P. Simmons Jr., 65, born July 9, 1945, in Lebanon, Mo., son of Floyd P. Simmons Sr. and Sibyl (Snodgrass) Simmons, passed away April 4, 2011, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Reno.
He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1964 after graduating from Lebanon High School. A decorated Vietnam veteran, he retired as master sergeant from the USAF in 1985 after 21 years of service. He worked for McDonnell-Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, Calif., as a reliability engineer and contributed to the development and success of the C-17 Program.
In July 1988, he met his wife, Jacqueline; they married a year later, then moved to Minden in 1993. Floyd opened EarthWorks Tractor Service in 1995, providing landscape and hauling services. In 1999, he opened a second business, Simmons Tractor Sales.
Floyd is survived by his wife, Jacqueline of Minden, children Floyd P. Simmons III, Placerville, Calif., James Kiely and wife Delia, Long Beach, Calif., Steven Kiely, Long Beach, Dana Regan and husband, J.R., Fresno, Calif., his brother, Ed Siler and wife Dani, Huntington Beach, Calif., and eight granddaughters. Floyd, who touched many lives and will always be remembered for his big heart, warm friendship, and smiling face, was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Barbara Lee
Memorial services will be May 7 at LifePoint Church in Minden. He will be laid to rest May 9 with full military honors at Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley. Autumn Funerals & Burials is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Floyd Simmons' name to the Veterans Guest House, 880 Locust Street, Reno, NV 89502.