Emerson W. Simmons III

In the early morning hours of May 13, 2026, our father, Emerson Wilbern Simmons, III, peacefully entered into the arms of the Lord. He was born on July 27, 1950, in New Orleans, Louisiana, and lived a life defined by hard work, deep faith, lasting relationships, and an unwavering love for his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emerson “Boots” W. Simmons, Jr. and Anna Mae Ridenour Simmons.

Our dad spent his early years in the St. Roch neighborhood of New Orleans before his family settled in Bush, Louisiana, where he later graduated high school in Covington. Though he moved, New Orleans never left him. It shaped his character, his storytelling, and his love for food, tradition, and bringing people together. No matter where life took him, that spirit stayed with him.

He is survived by the love of his life, Lori P. Simmons. Their marriage was built on loyalty, laughter, and a quiet, steady kind of love that we were lucky to witness every day. He adored her, not just in the big moments, but in the simple routines of daily life. Together, they created a home that was always open, always warm, and always full of conversation.

He is also survived by us, his children: Priscilla Peltier (Marc), Emerson Simmons IV (Kelsey), Christopher Simmons, Laney Blakemore (Sidney), and Lindzie Lawrence (Gary), along with his beloved grandchildren, Jessica Boyd-Trahan (Dustin), James Boyd IV (Hannah), Nicholas Peltier, Matthew Peltier, Belle Blakemore, Bennett Blakemore, Bailey Blakemore and Baby Lawrence. He is also survived by his brother, Lawrence Simmons (Sheila), his niece, Nicole Simmons-Cox (Chad), his nephew, Craig Simmons, his great nephew, Craig Simmons, Jr. and his loyal companions, Bingo and Bella.

Our dad built a remarkable career over the course of his life. He began working with his uncle after high school and was part of the team that helped build the Louisiana Superdome, something he was always proud to have been part of. He went on to find his passion in the restaurant and hospitality industry, where he spent decades leading, building, and creating. From Pitt Grill and Morgan’s Food Service to opening his own restaurants: Tarvers, Omelette House, O’Boys Po-Boys, and Key Largo; he left his mark not only through business but through the relationships he built along the way.

He was part of New Orleans history during the 1984 World’s Fair, opening a restaurant in the Italian Village, and later served as Vice President of Corporate Development for Al Copeland Investments before starting his own consulting firm in 2007. But if you asked him about his greatest success, he would never point to his career. His greatest success came later in the years he spent fully present with the people he loved most.

In retirement, our dad truly found his joy. He slowed down, leaned in, and made time count. Weekends with his grandchildren became his priority and his purpose. Some of our favorite memories are the simplest ones: walking the dogs along the levee, making a Starbucks run, sharing meals, sitting around the table telling stories, or just being together. He loved a full house, and he made sure everyone who walked through his door felt like they belonged.

He especially loved Christmas. It was his favorite time of year, a season he embraced wholeheartedly. He loved the gatherings, the traditions, the meals, the decorations, and most of all the opportunity to have the people he loved together in one place. Christmas brought out his joyful spirit and reflected the love he had for family and faith.

Spending time with our dad meant listening. Our dad was like listening to an unfiltered Louisiana history book come to life. He had endless stories to tell, each one richer and more captivating than the last. Through the many influential people he met, the business ventures he built, and the associations and friendships he formed throughout his life, Emerson experienced a remarkable chapter of Louisiana culture and history firsthand. Listening to him speak often felt like reliving history itself.

More than anything, our dad was a man of deep and steady faith. His devotion to God and the Catholic Church guided him throughout his life and carried him through both the highs and the lows. It gave him peace, and it gives us comfort now, knowing he is at rest.

We will remember him not just for what he accomplished, but for how he lived. His generosity, his laughter, his stories, his faith, and the way he made each of us feel loved. His presence filled a room, and his absence will be deeply felt. But the life he built, the memories he created, and the love he gave so freely will stay with us always.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at LAKE LAWN METAIRIE FUNERAL HOME, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., on Friday, May 22, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be from 12 p.m. until service time. Interment will be private.