Eugene M. Simeroth

Eugene “Gene” Melvin Simeroth, 92, of Summersville, Missouri passed away peacefully at his home on October 20, 2023, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was always found with a smile on his face and a pep in his step.

Gene was born on October 24, 1930, in Pottawattamie County, Oklahoma to Ben and Leona (Snow) Simeroth. He was raised in Muskogee County.

He proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1951 through July 1971, when he retired with the rank of Master Sergeant. Over the span of his twenty-year career, he spent time in California, Wyoming, Missouri, England, Vietnam, and Thailand. He served during the Korean War and Vietnam War. During this time, he worked as an aircraft mechanic, worked with Atlas missiles, and was an aircraft inspector with the 23rd Field Maintenance Squadron (TAC). He was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with two Bronze Oakleaf Clusters, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. In October 2021, he was recognized as “Patriot of the Month” by the Ozark Spring Daughters of the American Revolution.

He also lived in Sheridan, California with his wife of 55 years, Margaret (Lewington) Simeroth of Liverpool, England until her death. Together they raised Brangus cattle, raised/trained/showed puppies, and completed obedience training for 4H dogs. In 2016, he moved to Summersville, Missouri with his Wyman Creek Ranch family. He also worked at the North Highlands Recreation and Park District in California as Head of Grounds and Maintenance.

In 2019, he married Alfreda (Hamilton) of Summersville, MO. Together they enjoyed gardening and training puppies. He always said that he was “blessed to have two good wives.” Gene was President of Summersville “Friends of the Library” board and President of the Summersville Senior Center. He loved fishing, working with cattle, and training puppies. He was a member of Summersville Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Leona (Snow) Simeroth; wife, Margaret (Lewington) Simeroth; son, David Simeroth; daughter, Elizabeth “Beth” Simeroth; grandson, Tyler Simeroth; sister, Mabel Hale, brothers-in-law, Bob Henderson and Ray Mauch, and sisters-in-law, Margie Simeroth and Barbara Simeroth, granddaughter-in-law, Brittney Wilson; special friend, Larry Carson.

Gene is survived by his wife of almost 4 years, Alfreda (Hamilton) Simeroth; stepson, Chad (Betty) Hamilton of Lafayette, GA; grandchildren, Seth Wilson of Sacramento, CA, Morgan (AJ) Naveran of Wells, NV, Logan Wilson of Wells, NV, and Tyler Hamilton of Lafayette, GA; great-granddaughters, Elizabeth Wilson of Wells, NV, Scarlett Naveran of Wells, NV; brothers, Lloyd Simeroth of Tyler, TX and William “Bill” Simeroth of West Plains, MO; sisters, Martha Henderson of Olivehurst, CA, Mary Mauch of Sacramento, CA, Maudie (Leon) Mazza of Tucson, AZ; special friends, Bob and Kathy Belden, Carolyn Carson, Larry and Denise Roenspie all of Summersville, MO; his friends at the Summersville Library and Summersville Senior Center; and many other friends and family.

At his request, there will be no formal ceremony and his cremains will be spread at Fort Braggs at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his honor at the Summersville Senior Center.