Sammy Dean Simonson, age 74, of Mullen, Nebraska, passed away at home Thursday, June 3, 2021, in Mullen.
Sam was born Feb. 23, 1947, in Alliance, Nebraska, t Stewart O. and Ruby L. (Crain Simonson. He lived in Mullen most of his life, graduating from Mullen High School in 1965 and attending Kearney State College.
He worked on several ranches and on construction before coming back to the family ranch. During that time, he married Valerie (Debus) Simonson. To that union two children were born: Kristin Marie in 1982 and Shane David in 1988.
He spent many years working with his dad before purchasing part of the ranch and cow herd. He then began running that ranch with his wife, Valerie and son and daughter.
Sam enjoyed rodeo his entire life: whether he was roping, watching on television, or sitting in the stands. In later years he attended Nebraska-Land Days Rodeo, Cheyenne Frontier Days, Pendleton Rodeo, the NFR in Vegas and the Timed Event Championship in Oklahoma with son Shane. There were also a fair number of Junior Rodeos with his kids and recently he had started following Junior Rodeo again with granddaughter, Kinley. He was extremely proud of her accomplishments, and she always made him smile.
Sam loved kids and many $1 bills and candy bars went to his little buddies. He couldn’t avoid telling a good story to anyone who would listen. Some of his favorite stories are still repeated at the round table by friends, and the story telling wasn’t selective. Everyone was welcome to join in the visiting that followed.
Sam was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
He is survived by wife, Valerie: daughter, Kristin Marie Simonson-Olson and granddaughter, Kinley of Ainsworth; and son Shane David of Kearney. He is also survived by three brothers: Alan (Linda) Simonson and family of Gordon; George (Gloria) Simonson and family of Elm Creek; Tim (Deanna) Simonson and family of Mullen; sister Linda (Larry) Jaster of Waco, Texas, and family, in-laws Donald and Madonna Debus of Sterling, Colorado, and their family, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
He spent many hours in “his” chair at Red’s, greeting and entertaining with stories and following the activities of granddaughter Kinley.
A memorial in his name has been established to help with youth activities in the area.
Funeral services were Wednesday, June 9, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. MT at the Hooker County Community Center in Mullen with A.B. Cox officiating. Burial was in the Cedarview Cemetery in Mullen.
Govier Brothers Mortuary of Arnold/Broken Bow/Mullen in charge of arrangements. An online guest book may be signed at www.govierbrothers. com.