Stanley Sherwin Simons

Stanley Sherwin Simons passed away peacefully early Friday morning, June 8, 2012, during a brief stay in the hospital. He had been battling the many affects of heart disease for a number of years. He was 89.

Stan was born April 8, 1923 in Garden Grove, California, the son of Henry Jaris Simons and Iva L. Elwood. The family then moved to Richmond, Virginia for a short time, but returned to Santa Paula. There he graduated from Santa Paula High School in 1942, along with his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Ileene Huck. They were married a month after graduation, and the following spring Stan was drafted in the Army. He was stationed for most of World War II in Italy, and served his country proudly.

Upon returning from the war, Stan and Ileene established their home in the Avenue area of Ventura and added three children to the family. In 1968 they moved to east Ventura, where he spent the last 44 years of his life. Stan and his family were active members of the Ventura Seventh-day Adventist Church on Telephone Road, which he also helped build. He was very proud of his participation in that effort.

Stan's work years started with a short stint at Western Electric (until he was drafted), and after the war he spent several years working in the oil fields, and for the City. In the early 1960's he decided to establish his own business, and started "Stan's Janitorial" service, which he did until retirement.

Stan loved to spend his spare time tinkering in the garage, building or fixing various items, and was an accomplished craftsman of both metal and wood working. He loved his neighborhood, and took a special interest in both the security and well-being of his neighbors, and often was significantly involved in their own particular projects. His neighbors affectionately referred to him as the "Mayor" of Eisenhower Street. Stan's wife, Ileene, preceded him in death in 2003, after 61 years of marriage.

He is survived by his three children, Gwen Peterson (Dolan) of Hemet, Linda Woodhams (Wayne) of Ventura, and Brian Simons (Lisa)of Ventura; 9 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

There will be a short graveside service on Friday, June 15, 2012, 11:30 a.m. at the Santa Paula Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura. Condolences may be sent to TedMayrFuneralHome.

Burial arrangements under the direction of Pierce Brothers Santa Paula Cemetery.