RAYMORE, Mo. — Longtime SPEED SPORT photographer Ken Simon died Aug. 27 in his Missouri home following a long illness. Simon was 79 years old.
Simon was a fixture at the Knoxville Nationals and at other events throughout the Midwest and his images documented some of the biggest events in short-track racing history.
Simon was born in Sedalia, Mo., on Dec. 23, 1944, the son of Omar K. Simon and Helen E. Nold. Simon received a Master’s degree in education and worked as a teacher for the Raymore-Peculiar School District and retired after 48 years.
Simon met the love of his life Linda G. Wheeler and were later married on August 14, 1970. Together, they were blessed with two daughters, Dodi and Andrea.
Simon’s passion for photography, he was inducted into the Central Auto Racing Boosters Hall of Fame. In addition to short-track, dirt-track racing, Simon enjoyed traveling to Wisconsin with his family to watch his favorite teams play basketball, football and baseball.Â
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Linda G. Simon; his two daughters, Dodi Monasmith and Andrea Miller; brother, Richard Simon (Linda); six grandchildren, Kelsie Jones (Dyllan), Kyle Monasmith (Kimberly), Henry Miller, Charlie Miller, Liam Miller, and Kate Miller; and three great grandchildren, C.J., Elliot, and Maria.
Memorial contributions may be made to Center for Human Services 1500 Ewing Drive, Sedalia, Mo., 65301.
A memorial mass and visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at St. Sabina Catholic Church 700 Trevis Ave., Belton, Missouri 64012. Visitation will be held from 10:30-12:00 p.m. and the memorial mass to follow at 12:00 p.m.
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