Douglass Andrew Simons

Douglass “Chick” Simons was born March 10, 1925 at home in White Owl to Grant and Lyda (Weyer) Simons. He left home at an early age to attend 4 different grade schools. He went to Sturgis to attend high school and graduated in 1943. After high school he worked several jobs. In 1945-46, he taught at the Teepee Creek School and then at the Ridge School in 1946-47. Chick met the love of his life, Darleen Keffeler, in 1946 at a Union Center dance. In 1949, he started building his future wife a home. They married June 1, 1950 and moved into that home. Between family, friends, and neighbors, Chick built all the buildings at the home place. When the WREA came to the country, he wired most of the buildings around the community. Chick and three other men started the Enning Fire Department and he was the first Fire Chief. He served on the School Board at White Owl #92 for many years. He served for the ASCS Service for 20+ years. Chick was an avid baseball player and fan for many years. He coached little league baseball for several years. He also coached the men and women’s softball teams, where he led the Cenex Chicks to a first-place finish at the state tournament. Many baseball and softball games were played on the field at his home place. During this same time, Chick carried on with his love of trapping, hunting, and fishing. Chick and Darleen enjoyed a second home in Pierre to go fishing with friends and family. Chick’s cattle always had a special place in his life. He started out with Herefords, but in the 1980s he switched to Salers and sold bulls for several years. At 93 years old he was still feeding his cattle every day. Chick Simons, 95, of White Owl, died Monday, January 18, 2021 the Monument Health Home Plus Hospice House in Rapid City. Chick is survived by his wife of 70 years, Darleen; four sons, Grant (Nancy Niederwerder), Johnny (Janice Aldren), Russell (Dawn Schofield), and Mickey (Drinda McAtee); numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; 1 brother; 6 sisters; 2 grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 20, at the White Owl Hall. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 21, 2021 at the Central Meade County Community Center in Union Center with Pastor Harold Delbridge officiating. Graveside services will follow at White Owl Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the White Owl Hall, the Enning Fire Department, and Enning Ambulance.