Ed Simons - IMAC HS Class of 1954

Edward George Simons, 83, of Lansing, Kan., died, June 13, 2019, at Medicalodge in Leavenworth. He was born April 7, 1936, at the old St. John Hospital in Leavenworth, the son of Everett and Dorothy (Collins) Simons.
He attended the Old Cathedral Grade School and graduated from Immaculata High School in Leavenworth. Ed then went to St. Thomas College and Seminary in Denver, Colo., and was ordained a Catholic Priest in 1962. He served parishes and high schools in Prairie Village, Topeka, Lenexa and St. Francis de Sales in Lansing, Kan. Ed was Catholic Chaplain at the Kansas State Penitentiary (Lansing Correctional Facility) and at the prison’s Women’s Facility. He also served in the Kansas National Guard and was a Chaplain for the Delaware Township Fire Department (Leavenworth County Fire District #1).
In 1976, Ed requested and received a leave of absence from his duties as a priest and went to work as a Court Services Officer in Wyandotte County from which he retired after 20 years. In 1978, Ed married Donita Walkup and the two spent many good times with their family and enjoyed travels to China, Russia, the British Isles and the Holy Land.
Ed was an avid collector of miniature fire engines and was involved in Leavenworth community affairs and an enthusiastic sports supporter. He was an active member of Sisters of Charity where he renewed his relationship with the sisters who taught and guided him for many years. After his long life in Leavenworth and Lansing, Ed will be missed by his many old and good friends here.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Donita; a baby brother; a stepson, Greg Walkup; and two grandsons, Jake Walkup and Mason Fliger.
Ed is survived by two stepchildren, Teresa Fliger and Bart (Candace) Walkup; and five grandchildren, Avery (Chase) Fliger, Carson Fliger, Landon Fliger, Sydney Walkup and Megan Walkup.
Visitation beginning with the rosary will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, June 17, 2019, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday, at St. Francis de Sales Church, with Fr. William McEvoy as celebrant. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Jake Walkup Scholarship Fund, c/o Trena Gilfert at Citizens Savings and Loan (5151 S. 4th St. Trafficway, Leavenworth, KS).