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Kenneth Simmons Obituary
Perceeded in death by his parents, Alva and Simone Simmons.
He is survived by his children - Amber, Andrew, Jennifer, and Matthew. His siblings - Alan, Annette, Steve, and Gene. He is also survived by four grandchildren - Giovanni, McKenzie, Kiana, and Collin.
Whether or not he was perfect or flawed there should be a record, a record that this man lived, had children, passions and imperfections. So Dad, even though I wasn't there to say goodbye as you drew in your last breath, I say it now, with endearment and affection for the good times, for the memories, for the things you tried to do right.
Beyond my sadness and pain is a reality. A reality that you will no longer breathe in the fresh morning air, or crank up the volume when a Beach Boys song plays on the radio. A reality where I now stand in this world without my dad. Our relationship could have been better but I know that you were aware of the love I had, and still have, for you.
What I'm going to remember most is the way you chewed your gum as your eyes observed your surroundings and you smoked your cigarette. I'm going to remember your laugh and how it always made me smile. I'm always going to remember that you gave me life and I am forever grateful for that most precious gift.
Upon your departure from this life as you cross into heaven, know that you have left something behind, something in the form of a talent, a gift for others. Your magic captured us all, not only were you a magician you were a cardician. Not every dad can push a coin through a tabletop, or cause two coins to fade away into thin air. The way you shuffled and cut cards, your sleight of hand and card manipulation. You wrote a successful magic periodical, numerous books on your passion for magic, and your record for the world's strongest magician still has yet to be beat!
You were one of a kind. You were a mentor and a teacher. You will be missed but you will live on. Rest In Peace, Magic Man. I Love You, Dad. -Amber
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Simmons
Sponsored by Amber Arakelyan (Simmons).
Steve Stang
February 18, 2025
I was blessed to work with Ken at Zeezos Magic Castle in Omaha. Always loved to watch him perform for the customers and was inspired by his slight of hand and card manipulations. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family and friends.
Peace.
B. J. Newton
May 23, 2024
Iam truly saddened, I just learn of Kens passing. I met Ken when he worked for UPS in Colo. Springs, Ken had the Zeezo's Magic Castle in Omaha,Neb and i had the Zeezo's in Kansas City,Mo. I would drive to Omaha to trade supplies with ken and Ken would drive to Kansas City and bring me supplies that he did'nt need. And we would meet at the S.A.M. Conventions. He was a Master of Card Magic. May God take you into his Kingdom and may you Rest in Peace, Until we meet again. B. J. Newton
Gene Gordon
February 3, 2020
It has been a year since we lost Ken. I still mention him and think of him often. Hope he is comfortably sitting around a table somewhere with Marlo and the guys, pack of cards in hand. Doing what he loved! RIP my fiend
Brent Urban
September 17, 2018
I am truly sad today... I just learned that my first boss and mentor had passed over 2 years ago. I have Ken's first 5 books because he told me I had to buy them to read them. I worked for him at Zezo's Magic Castle in Omaha. Best job ever. I had babysat Amber on numerous occasions. I am truly sad today... Brent
George Ketterer
January 20, 2017
Thank you Ken for letting me work at Zeezo's. Some of the times that I spent there with Sean Wilson and all of the other characters that I got to meet were some of the best times of my life.
I'll never forget having drinks with you and watching you manipulate cards or eating a bowl of rice with you at Yakitori while listening to you tell stories about Ed Marlo. You made a massive impact on the lives of Sean and I. Dropping your name at the Magic Castle in LA got me into the club for a show that night.
Sincerely thank you Ken RIP...
George
Dave Campbell
February 12, 2016
I never met Ken personally, but as a member of The Second Deal, I was around when he was active on the site, and remember many good discussions. I consider him to be one of the 'movers and shakers' in the magic community, and feel a profound loss at his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Matthew Field
February 11, 2016
Ken was a creative and talented magician for whom I did some editing work about 20 or more years ago. I considered him a friend. He contributed much to magic and will be missed.
Tomas Blomberg
February 11, 2016
I flew all the way from Sweden to attend the very first (in fact _my_ very first magic convention ever) The Second Deal convention, March 1999 in New Orleans. Ken made a huge impression on me; I had never seen such card handling up close before. That memory is such a vivid one. We stayed in contact during his Onyx magazine years, and I was hoping he'd resurface after that so we could chat magic again. Very sad to learn that it won't happen.
Laura Carroll
February 10, 2016
I am saddened to hear about Ken's passing. He will be missed.I pray that God will grant you serenity and peace in this difficult time.
Terri Monroe
February 10, 2016
I am very deeply saddened by your passing, Ken, but I take comfort in knowing that you are free from all your pain. You always gloated that I was older than you, and now look; you always will be!!! You got the last laugh, Ken!!! Rest well, my friend...
Katina Lewis
February 9, 2016
That was very nice Amber, love you and you are in my prayers.
Robert LaRue
February 9, 2016
Ken started his magic interest in The Magic Box store, where he spent his coin collection on Marlo books. We worked many magic projects together over many years. Sorry to see him go.
Gene Gordon
February 9, 2016
Amber, I feel your loss. Ken will be missed in and around the magic community. He was a friend and mentor to me for the past 25 yrs. I'll miss his mischievousness, and wry smile when he fooled me with a card effect. He will be missed and not forgotten... Magic and magicians have a long memory and Ken made quite a mark on it. I know right now he is having a magic session and caressing a pack of cards ready to do something amazing! Rest in Peace my friend.
Denise Toney
February 9, 2016
Wow...that was really neat Amber....Rest In Peace Ken...gonna miss you!
Katie Holman
February 9, 2016
Beautiful, Amber.
Jose Colon
February 9, 2016
I will miss talking with you Ken. I met Ken back in his Zeezo's Magic Castle days and we maintained our friendship till the end. We hung out at the shop pretty much every day. My first magic lecture was Ken's in Denver. Your passing will leave an emptiness but you live on in my memories. I wish I had made it sooner to visit. I'm sorry for that.
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