MARVIN SIMON

Marvin Simon, 94, died on March 2, 2021 in the comfort of his own home. He took up music at the age of 10 because he was involved in a traumatic accident. His father appeased him by giving him a used trumpet from a pawn shop. He grew to like the new experience and then thru middle school and high school became very proficient. He went on to obtain a music degree from DePaul University in Chicago. In his college days, he began to play professionally with the local and national bands of the “big band” era, working with the stars like Vic Damone, Frankie Lane, Nat King Cole, Billy Holiday, Debbie Reynolds, Anita O’Day, Sammy Davis Jr., and many more. He also played staff musician at many Chicago theaters, and met the love of his life, Gloria Lee, at the famous Schubert Theatre in Chicago. She was traveling with the show “Damn Yankees” as a dancer. In the 50’s after their marriage, they moved to Las Vegas, where he worked in most of the orchestra pits for the shows on the strip mainly at the Thunderbird and Flamingo. In 1961, he decided to forego the music business and to enter into a chain of Midas Automotive shops, which he ran until 1980. He also owned Nevada Brake Supply, which he ran for 6 years. He was a developer of automotive centers and other auto related businesses. Marvin will be remembered by friends and family as a warm and caring person. He is predeceased by his parents, Milton and Ellen Simon; and two grandchildren, Jack Shonkwiler and Averey Simon. He leaves behind his lovely wife, Gloria Simon; younger sister, Arlene Drobny; daughter, Rhonda Shonkwiler (Terry); sons, Steve (Michelle) and Daniel (Eleyna); grandchildren, Jenni (Jordan), Julie, Mitchell, Matt, Dalton, Siena; and greatgrandchild, (Beau). In lieu of flowers, donations to the Making Music Matter Foundation hopefully to inspire young musicians. Funeral service will be held at 12:00PM on Friday March 5, 2021 at King David Memorial Chapel and Cemetery.