Clayton L. Simmons, of Glenwood Springs, died Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2003, at his home. He was 86.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the Farnum-Holt Funeral Chapel, 405 W. 7th St. in Glenwood Springs.

He was born Dec. 6, 1916, in Oiltown, Okla.

Mr. Simmons served in the army during World War II. After being discharged, he moved to Vernal, Utah, in 1945 and purchased his first motel, the West Uintah Cabins (later becoming the Antlers).

He returned to school in Pasadena, Calif., where he met his future wife, Mary. They were married on Jan. 30, 1947.

He finished law school and practiced law in Utah. His love for tourists and the motel business continued to grow. He acquired and built more motel properties in Oregon and Utah. But his greatest love was realized in 1967 when he bought the Cozy Cottage Court Motel in Glenwood Springs. Over the years, he purchased adjoining properties that eventually became the Best Western Antlers.

He will be remembered for never holding back his opinion, good food, a good joke, good conversation and for a very generous spirit. He often told his family and friends that he felt so fortunate to be able to make a living and live in the prettiest place on earth, Glenwood Springs.

Mr. Simmons is survived his wife, Mary; by a son, John; by a daughter, Mary Margaret; by a sister Carolyn Duke; and by many nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Glenwood Springs High School Clayton L. Simmons Scholarship Fund, 1340 Pitkin Ave., Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, attention: Bob Willey, counselor.

Farnum-Holt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.