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Eugene "Joe" Simmons passed away suddenly on November 22, 2020 in Scottsbluff NE at the age of 49. Joe lived most of his life in Nebraska's Panhandle and was a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe in South Dakota. He was a man of integrity and compassion who always sought truth and justice.
Joe leaves a legacy of love. He is survived by his five children, Candace, Josie, Riah, Justice and Chance. One of their favorite family activities was playing basketball togeher. All are remarkable young people who share their Dad's gifts in many ways.
He is also survived by sisters, brothers and many relations in South Dakota and Nebraska.
Joe was a member of the National Guard. He graduated from Chadron State College.
Joe carried deep concern for all people but especially the Native people living in Western NE and South Dakota. He worked with Boys and Girls Club on the Pine Ridge Reservation, the Chadron Native American Center in Chadron NE, and not for profit agencies that served youth and families throughout the Panhandle.
Joe cared for the homeless, fed the hungry, set up basketball tournaments to bring people together, helped organize pow wows at Ft. Robinson, and served on numerous state committees seeking culturaly based social and mental health for Native American people. People frequently sought him out to advocate for them in the state systems.
Joe was loved and regarded by many friends, co-workers, community members, pool league and basketball players throughout the region and the state. In this difficult year his death brings us together in spirit even if we cannot gather. There is a heaviness now that surpasses even the darkest days we have already seen. Yet, even in his darkest days Joe would search for something good, and he would always help others.
Funds are needed immediatly for final expenses which are being determined. Funds raised beyond that amount will be held and used for education for his younger children. Joe's sister Jennifer Blackwell, and his daughters Candace Walahoski and Josie Shea, will be in charge of the disbursement of funds for these expenses.
The service will be held at Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron NE on Monday, November 30, 2020 at 10:00 AM. Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 29, 2020 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.
Joe leaves a legacy of love. He is survived by his five children, Candace, Josie, Riah, Justice and Chance. One of their favorite family activities was playing basketball togeher. All are remarkable young people who share their Dad's gifts in many ways.
He is also survived by sisters, brothers and many relations in South Dakota and Nebraska.
Joe was a member of the National Guard. He graduated from Chadron State College.
Joe carried deep concern for all people but especially the Native people living in Western NE and South Dakota. He worked with Boys and Girls Club on the Pine Ridge Reservation, the Chadron Native American Center in Chadron NE, and not for profit agencies that served youth and families throughout the Panhandle.
Joe cared for the homeless, fed the hungry, set up basketball tournaments to bring people together, helped organize pow wows at Ft. Robinson, and served on numerous state committees seeking culturaly based social and mental health for Native American people. People frequently sought him out to advocate for them in the state systems.
Joe was loved and regarded by many friends, co-workers, community members, pool league and basketball players throughout the region and the state. In this difficult year his death brings us together in spirit even if we cannot gather. There is a heaviness now that surpasses even the darkest days we have already seen. Yet, even in his darkest days Joe would search for something good, and he would always help others.
Funds are needed immediatly for final expenses which are being determined. Funds raised beyond that amount will be held and used for education for his younger children. Joe's sister Jennifer Blackwell, and his daughters Candace Walahoski and Josie Shea, will be in charge of the disbursement of funds for these expenses.
The service will be held at Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron NE on Monday, November 30, 2020 at 10:00 AM. Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 29, 2020 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.
Organizer and beneficiary
Joan Graff
Organizer
Candace Walahoski
Beneficiary