Boyce G. “Bo” Simmons

Boyce G. “Bo” Simmons, 89, El Dorado Springs, passed away Sept. 27, 2023, in Kingman, AZ.

Bo was born January 16, 1934, in New Albany, MS, to Boyce Noverta Owen and Ruby Lucille Simmons Owen. After the death of his mother, Bo was adopted by his uncle William Floyd Simmons and aunt Nezzie Canerdy Simmons.

Bo joined the Air Force at age 16, completed his education and was trained as a demolition specialist serving in Korea with the Army. Following his service, Bo owned a crane company and operated heavy equipment in Florida building seawall and working with Florida Rock Industries. Bo later worked as chief mechanic for the Hernando School District in Brooksville, FL, where he designed a flashing light safety system for school buses that was adopted by the State of Florida.

During his time in Florida, Bo became interested in the racing scene around Tampa.  Here he met Don “Big Daddy” Garlits and raced at the same decommission landing field.  This was the start of Bo’s lifelong love of building performance engines and engine repairs.

Bo then worked construction with heavy equipment in Prescott, AZ, before he moved to California in 1968. He went to work at Hi-Desert Concrete in Yucca Valley and lived in Joshua Tree. Later he became plant manager for the Twentynine Palms office and built the rock plant at that location. He was active in the local Rotary Club and served as an officer and President during his years with the organization.

He moved to Twentynine Palms and married Shirley Merryfield Lancaster in 1977. They enjoyed travel, RV camping, raising kids and building their life together. Bo continued to repair and build engines and his reputation for building quality performance engines soon drew the attention of young men in the area interested in “street racing.” He shared his skills and mentored many a young man on mechanics and in life in his garage. Bo was known for his easy going, down-to-earth personality and made friends easily. He made a positive impact on so many lives with his quiet strength and faith, unbending loyalty and willingness to help others.

Upon their retirement, Bo and Shirley moved to Laughlin, NV, for several years until moving to El Dorado Springs in 2002 to care for Shirley’s elderly mother. Bo became involved with United Seniors of El Dorado Springs and served as President for most of his 17 years on the Board of Directors and was personally involved in building projects and maintenance.

Bo is preceded in death by his parents and adoptive parents; mother-in-law, Jessie Inis Merryfield and brother-in-law and wife, Glen and Ila Merryfield.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years; children, Darcy Roberts – Kingman, AZ, Todd Lancaster – Lake Havasu City, AZ, Keri Lancaster Morrell (Claude) – Magnolia, MS, Brett Lancaster (Donna) – St. Louis; stepson, Dr. David Hutchinson – Lakeland, FL, and grandchildren, Ruby and Emma Grenko – Kingman, AZ, and Kyle Lancaster – Lake Havasu City, AZ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to United Seniors of El Dorado Springs, Inc.

A memorial service will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs with Rev. Jack Daniel officiating.