Gary Elvin Simmons, 81, passed away March 14, 2025, at University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend Campus, Great Bend. Gary was born Aug. 31, 1943, in Larned, Kan., to Everett Thomas Robert and Ethel (Nichelson) Simmons. Gary married Cherry DeBerry, then later married Sandra “Sandi” Lee Nuss in 1976, in Great Bend. Sandi passed away Nov. 11, 2011.

Gary was a long-time resident of Great Bend, coming from Larned. His care and character of commitment for his community was demonstrated through his operation of Great Bend Floral, which he, alongside Sandi, owned for 38 years. With Gary’s passion of sharing his skill and trade, he instructed floral design at Barton County Community College for a short period of time. In his younger more active years, he enjoyed hunting, racquetball and was considered an avid photographer.  

Survivors include one son, Shane Simmons of Great Bend; one daughter Stephanie L. Simmons of Waco, Texas; four grandchildren, Kathlena Shaughnessy and husband James, Landon Orr and wife Lydia, Jaysa Orr and Dakota Simmons; and six great grandchildren, Owen Shaughnessy, Kellan Orr, Zealand Orr, Evelyn Orr, Harlyn Orr and Amarett Simmons; two sisters, Annalee Short of Wichita and Merrie Evan of Mo.; one brother, Melvin Simmons of Medicine Lodge; and mother-in-law, Delora Nuss of Great Bend. Gary was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Everett Earl Simmons; stepfather, Harold Taylor; and father-in-law Gerhardt Nuss.

Graveside services with inurnment will be 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Golden Belt Memorial Park, Great Bend, with Rev. Tim Singleton presiding. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS  67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 18, 2025