Glen Simmons

[Keith W]

I'm saddened to report that Glen Simmons, one of the last of the original Gladesmen, left this world early Tuesday morning, July 21, at the age of 93. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Glen was one of the last of a breed of men and women who lived a free life roaming and hunting the Everglades wilderness before the Park was established in 1947. He is the author, along with Laura Ogden, of Gladesmen: Gator Hunters, Moonshiners, and Skiffers, which tells the story of Glen, his wife Maxie, and his fellow Gladesmen in the early days before the Park. He is also the author of a self-published work called To Keep From Starving, a collection his own hand-written journals. I had the great privilege and honor of meeting Glen and Maxie, and I always will cherish the memories of the time I spent in their home listening as they reminisced and told the old stories together.

[vivian]

I really enjoyed reading Gladesmen, Thank you Glen for taking time out of your incredible life to share your story with others. RIP

[Alvin Lederer]

Glen has shared many of his memories and photo's with me. We has a Father son relationship and he lovingly called me boy. He knew Old Man Steve Roberts and saw Bill Ashley sitting on a stump when his Father pointed him out to him. He told me he saw the Royal Palm that Guy Bradley carved his name in at Seven Palm Lake he remembered the Black Forrest and Fish Camp at Snake Bight. The great damage to the park by hurricanes and when we talked about the glades he could walk me thru the area in great detail. I will miss him and cherish him in my memories and I am a better man for knowing him.
Alvin

[Connie Mier]

Rest in Peace Mr. Simmons. Your Everglades spirt lives on in many.