Masonic
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Veteran World War II
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Dr. Edward Clay Simmons, 82, Salina, Kansas, died Saturday, March 8, 2008. He was born July 19, 1925, in Ashland, Kansas, where he grew up on a farm. After graduating from High School he volunteered for active duty in World War II and served in the 508th Battalion of the 82nd Airborne Division as a Jumpmaster and radio radar operator in the paratroops. He completed his army service on the Crack Drill Squadron Honor Guard for General Eisenhower in Frankfort, Germany. After his discharge in 1946 he worked as a reporter for Associated Press covering the Nuremberg Trials. After returning from World War II he attended Kansas Wesleyan University before being accepted to UMKC School of Dentistry. Upon graduation he opened his private practice on July 20, 1953, in Salina, Kansas, where he practiced dentistry for 47 years before retiring. During his professional life he served for the progress of the dental profession. He served as president for the Salina Dental Society, Golden Belt District Dental Society, Kansas Dental Society, Kansas Chapter of the American Society of Dentistry for Children, Kansas Academy of General Dentistry, Great Plans Dental Society and the Academy of General Dentistry. He received his Fellowship from the Academy of General Dentistry in 1972 and his Mastership in 1981. He served as a State Board Dental Examiner for the Central Regional Testing Service 12 years. He was adjutant professor of the College of Health, department of Dental Hygiene, Wichita, Kansas, charter member of the Clyde Davis Endodontic study club, member of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, member of the American Society of Psychosomatic Dentistry. He received the Kansas Dental Association Man of the year award in 1983 and the Hugh Hattan Man of the award in 1993 for outstanding service to the advancement of dentistry. He served as a staff member of the St. John's Regional Health Center, Asbury Regional Medical Center, as a trustee of St. John's Military School and charter member of the St. John's Mule Skinner Club. He was a Mason and member of Isis Shrine Temple and the Royal Order of Jester's. He was a member of the Salina Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Service Club, Lion's Club, patron of the Salina Community Theater and past president of the Salina Country Club. Edward is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joan; 3 children; son, Rick, of Kansas City, Missouri; daughter, Tanya and spouse Joe Krsnich of Leawood, Kansas; son, Randy, and spouse Traci of Salina, Kansas; and 4 grandchildren. Lou Krsnich, Jimmy Krsnich, Korri Simmons and Kodi Simmons. Memorial services will be held Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, Salina. A reception will follow at the Salina County Club. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Kaye Pogue Hospice Center of Salina or First United Methodist Church, Salina. Ryan Mortuary, Salina, is in charge of arrangements.