Paul R. Simmons

Paul R. Simons, loving father and grandfather, passed away on Oct 22. He was 88. One grandson said,“The world lost one of the best men it’s ever had and I lost a friend and a grandfather.” Another one said, “I’ve been so lucky to have him as a grandfather, he made life very special for a lot of people.”  Paul was born on Father’s Day, June 16, 1929 to David M. and Pearl Cederquist Simons in Alhambra. Love was at the center of Paul’s life. Paul loved his country, serving in the Korean War from 1950-1952, ultimately being Honorably Discharged as a Sergeant Major. He was married to and loved his wife Mary for 48 years before she passed in 2001. The love he has for his children, Gary, Ronald, and Sharon is a father’s love of timeless provider and protector.  Paul loved the Lord and served in numerous capacities at Fullerton First Presbyterian Church and Brea United Methodist Church. His commitment to service was demonstrated by his appointment as the first and only “lay person” to be appointed to the California-Pacific Conference Board of Ordained Ministry.  Paul also had a love affair with the JC Penney Company.  Paul began his career as a stock boy and floor sweeper on December 1, 1944 in El Monte.  His love of people and of hard work saw him rise through the ranks to the position of District Manager, responsible for 34 stores in Central California and Nevada as well as the DM for Orange and Los Angeles Counties, with over 4,000 employees. He continued to serve in retirement from JC Penney as Chairman of H.C.S.C. National Foundation Trust, and President of the Board of Directors of the Southern California JC Penney Retired Management Org.  Paul’s civic involvement covers no fewer than 30 different organizations and endeavors. He was very active in municipal and volunteer organizations in Arcadia, Brea, Fullerton, Long Beach, Monrovia, and Whittier. He was particularly proud of his long time affiliation with the Rotary Club with the credo “Service Above Self”.  His love of country is also recognized in his selection from 210,000 nominees to carry the 2002 Winter Olympic Torch.  After carrying the torch, Paul was asked to speak to over 14,000 school children at 39 different schools in California and Arizona. He spoke about Patriotism, Volunteerism, Goal Setting, and the importance and meaning of the flag of the greatest country in the world.  Paul is survived by his dear companion for 14 years Patricia Blake, his son and daughter-in-law Gary and Julie Simons of Waikoloa, Hawaii, son and daughter-in-law Ron and Dana Simons of Terre Haute, Indiana, and daughter and son-in-law Sharon and Bill Hutchinson of Placentia, and 13 grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Nov. 2 at 11:00 am at First Presbyterian Church of Fullerton. Paul's request was to have everyone wear Hawaiian shirts/apparel to the service.