Obituary for Howard Simons

Howard A Simons, 83 of Grand Island passed away March 6, 2018 atFullerton Care and Rehabilitation in Fullerton, Nebraska. Celebration of life service will be at 10:30 AM Saturday, March 17th at All Faiths Funeral Home. Pastor Todd Bowen will officiate. Burial of ashes will be in the Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. There will be no visitation.Howard A Simons was born December 24, 1934 to LeRoy and Rose (Kent) Simons in Grand Island, Nebraska. He was raised and received his education in Grand Island, Nebraska. He entered the Navy at a young age.On January 13, 1957 he married the love of his life Carol Ann Mettinbrink and to this marriage five children were born. Howard worked for the Ordinance plant at Alda, Nebraska and was a Chief teamster in the early 60's.Howard was a professional truck driver for many years retiring in 1986 due to eyesight. Loss of eyesight didn't slow him down. Howard attended Lincoln Northwest receiving his high school diploma in 1988. After receiving his diploma, he then attended NCBVI (Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired) to further his education on dealing with loss of eyesight and life. Howard went into it whole heartedly becoming very active in the VIPS (visually impaired peer support) serving as president for multiple terms. After completing his education in 1989 at NCBVI in Lincoln Nebraska he started his vending service "Broken H vending". He owned and operated "Broken H" with the help of his family from 1989 till 2015 retiring due to failing health.He was a genuine cowboy who loved dressing up in his western attire, showing horses, attending horse shows and rodeos with his family. Howard is known by many for his knowledge of doctoring ailing horses. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, fishing and camping with family and friends. In his later years he became quite the woodworker building toys for his grandchildren and great grandchildren along with multiple neighborhood kids. Over the years Howard also hosted many neighborhood cream-can dinners and fish fries inviting family, friends and strangers.He is survived by the mother of his children Carol Simons, two sons Ryan (Dee) Simons, Trevor (Jeanne) Simons all of Grand Island, daughter Michelle (Jay) Busch of St. Paul. Grandchildren and spouses Thomas (Leigh) Busch, Nick (Liz) Busch, Katie Busch (Justin), Timika Simons (Tim), Lashe'e Simons (Erik) and 15 great grandchildren. Also surviving are a brother Leo (Dean) Simons of Boleus and sister Linda Kay Saathman of Aurora, along with multiple nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents, sons Bryan and Lonnie, grandchildren Christine Busch and Hank Simons, brothers Willard, Danny, Jack, Ira, Larry and Roger Simons. Sisters Maxine Roberts, Doris Roberts, Geraldine (Jed) Bolt and Faye Autry. He was also preceded in death by several nieces and nephews.