Obituary of Edward W. Simon

Edward W. (Ed) Simon, age 65, passed away on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at his home in Wakefield, Kansas surrounded by family. He was born on September 12, 1956, in Scott City, Kansas, the son of Robert L. and Mary L. (Berning) Simon. Ed was a lifetime resident of Marienthal, Kansas, until he and Jana retired and moved to Wakefield, Kansas in July 2021.

Ed attended St. Mary Grade School, Wichita County High School graduating in 1974 and Dodge City Community College, attaining an Associate Degree.

He married Jana Mae Dierks on July 17, 1976, in Leoti, KS. They had four children - Paul Simon, Amber Stevens, a Rainbow Baby and AJ Simon. Ed had eight much loved grandchildren, who called him Papa. Rorric and Brenton Simon, Scott City, KS, Emily, Caden, Keira and Kyler Stevens, Emporia, KS and Zane and Liam Simon, Wakefield, KS. 

He was a farmer and rancher, auctioneer, AHA 1st Aid & CPR Instructor, volunteer AEMT for Leoti EMS, substitute mail carrier, AEMT for Midwest Medical Transport and past USD #467 School Board member and recently the Director of Building, Grounds and Transportation at USD #467.

He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council #2930, and Assembly #2567 Bishop John B. Franz 4th Degree of Marienthal, KS.

He was of great help to the Wichita County community as his AEMT skills and concern for all people made him an excellent first responder. He was “Marienthal 1” responder and would state, “I am just along for the ride”. He was known as a friend and helper to all he met, never knowing a stranger. If Ed didn’t have what you needed in his pickup, well then you didn’t need it. Many children will remember him as the mailman that left treats in the mailbox. Other kids will remember him for the popsicles he gave away on parade day. When he started working at USD #467, the children and parents alike looked for Papa Ed as he made friends easily and would help them all. If anyone tried to thank Ed, they would always hear, “Why, I didn’t do anything.” Ed enjoyed having a cold red beer with his friends and family at the Blue Bird or Iron Horse.

Survivors include his Wife - Jana Simon of Wakefield, Paul & Jacque Simon of Scott City, Amber & Chris Stevens of Emporia, and AJ & Kim Simon of Wakefield and eight Grandchildren. Three Sisters - Jean Wells of Marienthal, Diana & Todd Long of Leoti, Connie & Darren McRae of Leoti, and eight grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, Father and Mother-in-Law, Clair and Iona Dierks, Brother-in-Laws - Steve Wells, Mark Dierks, Harold Dierks and Mike Ritter, Sister-in-Law, Patty Dierks and Nephew, Hans Dierks.

There will be no calling times. 

Vigil and rosary service will be held Thursday, Nov. 11th at 7pm. Funeral Mass will be, Friday, Nov. 12th at 10:30am; both services at St. Mary Church in Marienthal, KS with Fr. Timothy Hickey presiding. Services will be live streamed on Western Kansas Catholic Facebook page. 

Memorials are suggested to the St. Mary Cemetery Project, Marienthal, KS or Leave a Legacy Foundation, Garden City, KS in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 161, Leoti, Kansas, 67861.