Ray Clifford Simmons (August 17, 1925 – July 31, 2002) was a Republican politician from Nebraska who served as a member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 11th district from 1957 to 1961.
Ray Simmons | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 11th district | |
| In office January 1, 1957 – January 3, 1961 | |
| Preceded by | Earl Jackson Lee |
| Succeeded by | Ross Rasmussen |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 17, 1925 |
| Died | July 31, 2002 (aged 76) |
| Party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Marianne Kelley (m. 1957) |
| Children | 2 (Mike, Betsy) |
| Parent |
|
| Education | Peru State Teachers College Doane College University of Nebraska University of Nebraska College of Law |
| Occupation | Attorney |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Navy |
Early life
editSimmons was born in Washington, D.C., in 1925, the son of Congressman Robert G. Simmons, who later served as Chief Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court.[1] He attended Peru State Teachers College and Doane College.[1] He was commissioned in the U.S. Navy and served during World War II.[2] Simmons graduated from the University of Nebraska with his bachelor's degree in 1947, and then from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 1950.[1] He subsequently clerked for Justice Harold H. Burton on the United States Supreme Court.[1] Simmons subsequently served as an attorney in the Navy, and was an assistant prosecutor in the investigation of the collision between the USS Hobson and the USS Wasp.[2]
In 1953, Simmons settled in Fremont, and began working for the law firm of Spear and Lamme.[2][3] Simmons was active in the Nebraska Republican Party, and served as the chairman of the Nebraska Young Republicans.[1] He was proposed as a possible candidate for U.S. Attorney in 1956,[4] but Robert Spire was ultimately recommended by U.S. Senators Carl Curtis and Roman Hruska.[5]
Nebraska Legislature
editIn 1956, State Senator Earl Lee declined to seek re-election.[6] Simmons ran to succeed him in the 11th district, which included Dodge and Washington counties.[7] In the nonpartisan primary, Simmons faced farmer E. Thome Johnson,[8] and narrowly placed first, receiving 23 more votes than Johnson.[9] They advanced to the general election,[10] which Simmons narrowly won, defeating Johnson, 51–49 percent.[9][11]
Simmons ran for re-election in 1958,[12] and was re-elected unopposed.[13][14] He declined to seek a third term in 1960.[15]
Death
editSimmons died on July 31, 2002.[16]
References
edit- 1 2 3 4 5 Nebraska Blue Book 1958 (PDF). Nebraska Legislative Council. 1959. Retrieved April 24, 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Ray Simmons To Begin Law Practice Here". Fremont Tribune. October 16, 1953. p. 14. Retrieved April 24, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ "Chief Justice's Son in Fremont Law Firm". Evening World-Herald. Omaha, Nebraska. October 22, 1953. p. 2. Retrieved April 24, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ "Ray Simmons Mentioned In U. S. Vacancy". Fremont Guide and Tribune. March 7, 1956. p. 1. Retrieved April 24, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ "Wm. Spire New U.S. Attorney". Lincoln Evening Journal. March 9, 1956. p. 1. Retrieved April 24, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ "Sen. Lee Says He Will Not Be Candidate". Fremont Tribune. March 27, 1956. p. 1. Retrieved April 24, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ "Ray Simmons Seeks Seat In Legislature". Fremont Tribune. March 28, 1956. p. 1. Retrieved April 24, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ "E. T. Johnson Is in Race For Unicameral". Fremont Tribune. April 2, 1956. p. 1. Retrieved April 24, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- 1 2 Marsh, Frank (1956). Official Report of the Board of State Canvassers of the State of Nebraska, Primary Election, May 15, 1956, General Election, November 6, 1956 (PDF). Nebraska Secretary of State. Retrieved April 24, 2026.
- ↑ "Ike Near Double Lead; Simmons Vote Edge 38". Fremont Tribune. May 16, 1956. p. 1. Retrieved April 24, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ "Official Voting Returns Listed". Fremont Tribune. November 21, 1956. p. 1. Retrieved April 24, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ "Second Term Is Filed For By Simmons". Fremont Tribune. March 12, 1958. p. 2. Retrieved April 24, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ "12 Senators Face No Primary Competition". Lincoln Evening Journal. April 4, 1958. p. 5. Retrieved April 24, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ Marsh, Frank (1958). Official Report of the Board of State Canvassers of the State of Nebraska, Primary Election, May 13, 1958, General Election, November 4, 1958 (PDF). Nebraska Secretary of State. Retrieved April 24, 2026.
- ↑ "Only 22 Senators Refiled". Lincoln Evening Journal. February 14, 1960. p. 13. Retrieved April 24, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ Ruggles, Rick (August 2, 2002). "Ray C. Simmons, 76, ex-state senator, dies". Omaha World-Herald. p. 4B. Retrieved April 24, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.