Bernie "Gene" Eugene Simmons, 82 of Preston, Missouri, passed away on Friday, September 15, 2023, in Crowell, Texas.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 2:00 pm at the Community Center in Preston, Missouri.

Gene was born Friday, August 22, 1941, in Oakland, California. He was the son of the late Bernie Wofford Simmons and the late Vivian Yetta Wheeler Lightfoot. Gene served in the U.S. Navy and then retired as a line worker for General Motors. His passion was racing and Dale Earnhardt. He was a member of Route 66 Trikers Trike Club, and he loved attending races at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri.

Gene is survived by one son, Billy Jack Robinson of Wichita Falls, Texas; two daughters, Karen Deanette Burke & husband Scott of Wichita Falls, Texas, and Sharon Jeanette Stolle & husband Paul Wayne of Vernon, Texas; one sister, Lucille Crawford & husband Mike of Mobile, Alabama; several cousins and one special cousin and dancing partner, Glenda McCoy of Hermitage, Missouri; three step-daughters, Rhonda Lynn Marvel & husband George of Preston, Missouri, Sherry Ann Robbins & husband Kelly of Independence, Missouri, and Donna Sue Parker & husband Jubal of Preston, Missouri. Gene also leaves behind thirteen grandchildren, twenty-four great grandchildren, and three nieces and one nephew.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents and his great grandson, Jason Wilder McDaniel.