Simmons, Cecil (Cecil Bernard), 1909-2005

Cecil Bernard Simmons, 95, passed away Feb. 25, 2005, at his home. Cecil was born Aug. 18, 1909, in Fayette, Miss. He was preceded in death by his parents, four siblings and his beloved wife of 65 years, Katherine Watson Simmons. Surviving family, John Gladybelle Ensminger of Monroe, La., Paula and Tom Gandy of Baton Rouge, La., and Sandy and Karen Sanderford of Las Vegas. Cecil was a veteran of World War II having served in the U.S. Army military police.

Before moving to Las Vegas in the late 1950's, Cecil and Katherine lived in Dallas, where Cecil was active in many business ventures including oil and gas exploration. He came to Las Vegas in 1956 to become associated with the Desert Inn as casino manager. Cecil was an avid golfer and involved with the Desert Inn Tournament of Champions for many years. He was a long time member of Variety Club and served as chief barker. He was one of 40 founding members/stockholders of the Las Vegas Country Club.

After leaving the Desert Inn, he was involved in numerous business ventures in Las Vegas, including the establishment of OLE Vegas, Wonder World Liquors and Radner Meat Company. This most generous and gentle man will be missed by all of those who's lives he touched. Las Vegas is a much better city because Cecil Simmons lived here. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 1, with services following at 2 p.m., at Palm Morty, 1325 N. Main St., Las Vegas, NV 89101. Interment will take place at Sparkman Hillcrest Memorial Park in Dallas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Ranch for Children, 100 St. Jude Strett, Boulder City, NV 89005.

Source:

"Obituaries. Cecil Bernard Simmons". Las Vegas Review-Journal (NV), February 28, 2005: 4B. NewsBank: Access World News – Historical and Current. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/1089242A2F5D59F8.