Donald Wayne Simmons

Don was born on October 4, 1950, in McComb, Mississippi, to Ivey and Norma Jean Simmons. He was the younger of two sons and was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Ivey Allen Simmons, Jr.

A proud graduate of Texas City High School, Don was a member of the Class of 1969. Shortly after, in 1970, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he served honorably during the Vietnam War—a period of his life he looked back on with pride.

Don went on to have a long and successful career in the oil refinery industry. He began working at Amoco in 1978, remained through its transition to BP, and eventually retired from Marathon in 2018 after 40 years of dedicated service.

Don was musically talented and in much of his younger years, he was playing guitar and singing. He had a remarkable gift for picking up almost any instrument—often mastering it within minutes. Many who heard him said his voice echoed the sounds of Elvis Presley and Vince Gill.

Don found his greatest joy spending time with his grandchildren and his loyal goldendoodle, Chesney. He was proud to get to attend the recent marriage of his eldest grandson, Kyle. Don spent most of his time watching FOX News or the Weather Channel and then updating everyone what was going on in the world, or watching Turner Classic Movies, The Andy Griffith Show, Everyone Loves Raymond, or King of Queens. His warm heart and sharp wit will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his daughter, Heather Belanger and her husband Stephen of League City; his son, David Simmons of Santa Fe; and his beloved grandchildren: Kyle Bowie and his wife Afton, Kody Bowie, Hanna Bowie and fiancé Nick Johannessen, Reed Belanger, and Maggy Belanger, all of League City. Don is also survived by his former wife, Mary Simmons of Texas City; nephews: Kirk Simmons, Kevin Simmons, and Josh Simmons; and great-nieces and nephews: Austin Simmons, Justin Simmons, Nicole Simmons, Ella Simmons, and Jackson Simmons. He leaves behind his cherished goldendoodle, Chesney, who brought him much joy in his later years.

A visitation will be held on Monday, June 2, at 12:00 p.m. at Forest Park East Funeral Home in Webster, Texas, followed by a service at 2:00 p.m. at the same location.

Don's legacy of service, hard work, and love for family lives on through all who knew and loved him.