Leo Eugene “Sonny” Simants, 86, of North Platte, passed away November 2, 2023 at Great Plains Health. He was born May 22, 1937 to Albert and Lucille (Konruff) Simants in Tryon.
Sonny attended Whitehorse school and entered the United States Navy at 17 years old. He served on the USS Yorktown in the far East. After being discharged, he returned to North Platte. Sonny married Priscilla Wills, and to this union three children were born, Peggy, Penny, and David.
Sonny worked for a pivot irrigation company, a well drilling company, Union Pacific Railroad, and was a small engine mechanic. He worked at Western Outdoor Equipment and Nebraska Machinery . Sonny married Mary Thompson on March 30, 1978 in North Platte. To this union a son, Charles, was born. Sonny loved hunting and guns, especially hunting deer and turkey. He was a Husker and Raider football fan. His absolute greatest joy was his grandchildren. He was loved by many and always willing to lend a hand to anyone.
Survivors include wife, Mary of North Platte; children, Penny Mueller of Kearney, David Simants of Kearney, Charles (Renessa) Simants of North Platte, Sterling (Grace) Kovanda of Stapleton, Michael (Madge) Kovanda of Stapleton, Angie (Chris) Lewis of North Platte; grandchildren; Nick (Kasia) Gambs, Allison Brogdon, Kylee (Patrick), Kamron, Kingston, Karmen, Karter Simants, Willow Kovanda, Preston Kovanda, Amber (Tony) McIntosh, Joey Gihon, Angie Mayo, Dan Mueller, Matt Mueller, Lyndsey (Lane) Hogeland; good friend, Tony Gove of North Platte; siblings, Shirley Sawyer of McCook, Ted “Butch” (Doris) Simants of North Platte, and Roxanne Smith of Bellevue; numerous great grand-children, nieces and nephews; and his good friend Tony Gove of North Platte.
Preceding Sonny in death are parents, Albert and Lucille; daughter, Peggy Hewitt; grandson, Jon Hewitt; granddaughter, Jennifer Kovanda; siblings, Charlotte Jaeger, Charles Simants, Phyllis Thompson.
Memorials are suggested in his name. Online condolences and live stream of the service will be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Services will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday November 8, 2023 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Willie Roberts officiating. Burial will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery with military honors. Book signing will be Tuesday from 12-5 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.