Hebert David Simons

Herbert D. Simons, a prominent Houston attorney, oilman, civic leader, philanthropist, and genealogist, died in Houston on the 19th of August 2026, three days after celebrating his 91st birthday. He was born in Houston on the 16th of August 1935, the son of the late Verne F. Simons and Verna I. (Cuddeback) Simons.

Mr. Simons had a long and distinguished career in law and was a nationally recognized expert in taxation. He joined the firm of Butler & Binion in 1962, and he served as partner there from 1973 until the firm’s closure in 1999. He was subsequently Of Counsel at Winstead PC until his retirement in 2007. His expertise went beyond the practice of law. He was for many years a member of the Board of Directors of XTO Energy, a leading independent oil and natural gas producer, which was acquired by ExxonMobil in 2010.

A native of Houston, he attended Roberts Elementary School, Lamar High School, and graduated from Rice University and Harvard Law School, from which he received his law degree in 1960.

Deeply committed to the civic and cultural life of Houston, Mr. Simons served as a council member of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Houston Zoo, among other philanthropic and community interests. In memory of his father, he established the Verne F. Simons Memorial Scholarship at Rice University.

Mr. Simons was also a noted genealogist and family historian. A meticulous scholar with an abiding interest in early American families, he was recognized for his expertise on the Van Dusen family of New Amsterdam. His genealogical research and knowledge of the family were showcased in The New York Times in 2011. He was also a patron of American Ancestors-New England Historic Genealogical Society and frequently attended its gala events in Boston.

Mr. Simons’ interests ranged widely beyond his professional and scholarly pursuits. He was an enthusiastic traveler to America’s National Parks and had a particular affection for Yellowstone, especially its extraordinary geyser fields. He enjoyed opera and followed politics with a keen and enduring interest. Throughout his life he was also devoted to his many pet cats. His beloved cat, Pip, survives him.

He is predeceased by his longtime partner, Douglas Colin, of Houston; his brother, Elwyn L. Simons, of Peoria, Arizona; and his niece, Katherine B. Egan, of Haverford, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Simons is survived by his nephews, D. Brenton Simons of Boston, Massachusetts, and Verne F. H. Simons of Peoria, Arizona; his niece, Cornelia V. M. Seiffert of Pasadena, California; four great-nephews, a great-niece, and a great-great-niece. He is also survived by his devoted friend Jeannie Fennell.

The family gathered for a private interment at Glenwood Cemetery in Houston.

A memorial service is to be offered at half past three o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 26th of September 2026 at First Christian Church of Houston, 1601 Sunset Boulevard. A reception celebrating his life is to follow from six o’clock to eight o’clock in the evening at the Houston Zoo, 6200 Hermann Park Drive.

Herbert Simons will be remembered for his kindness, wit, boundless energy, the breadth of his intellect, his successful professional career, his devotion to the institutions and community of Houston, and his lifelong interest in the history of his family and the families of early America.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, the Houston Grand Opera Association, the Houston Zoo, or Rice University by visiting the links below under "Donations".

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