Thomas "Tom" Lee Simons, 76, a University of Nebraska–Lincoln communications professional and alumnus known for his generosity, sharp wit and encyclopedic sports knowledge, died Feb. 21 in Omaha.
Born Feb. 15, 1950, Simons was the second son of Waldo and Nadine (Strahan) Simons. He grew up in Sparks, Nebraska, and later lived in Valentine during the school year while maintaining close ties to the family’s rural home. He graduated from Valentine High School in 1968.
He initially attended the University of Nebraska studying engineering but soon realized his interests lay elsewhere. He moved back to Valentine and took a job at the Valentine Newspaper, where he discovered a lifelong love of journalism.
Afterward, he went back to the university, joining Husker Athletics’ sports information department while taking classes. Simons later expanded his sports information career with positions at the St. Louis Cardinals football team and Southern Illinois University before coming home to Nebraska.
While working for the Huskers, Simons completed his degree in history with a minor in French. He later joined the University Communication team, where he built a respected career as the university’s chief science writer, translating complex research into stories that informed and engaged the public. He retired in 2015 after decades of service.
Simons traveled widely, including Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Asia.
A lifelong sports fan, he was especially devoted to baseball and his beloved St. Louis Cardinals. Friends and colleagues often relied on his remarkable memory for sports statistics and history. They also benefited from his generosity: Simons frequently shared tickets to Nebraska athletic events and invited friends to join him for games, where conversations ranged far beyond the scoreboard.
Those who knew him remember a colleague who was thoughtful, quietly wise and deeply loyal — someone who offered encouragement and guidance without seeking recognition.
Simons was preceded in death by his parents and a great-nephew, Lukis Laudenklos.
He is survived by his brother Pat Simons and wife Connie of Frisco, Texas, and their daughters Jennifer and Nicole and their families; brother Greg Simons and wife Rose of Omaha, and their children Greg Jr. and Abby and their families; and sister Peggy Medema and husband Rick of Valentine, and their children Katy, Lizzie and Dan and their families.
A celebration of life and inurnment will be held at a later date.
Read the family obituary.
