Donald Simmons

Donald (Don) Simmons was born to the parents of Raft Sr. and Maebell Simmons on June 8, 1941, in Shreveport, Louisiana. At 13, he relocated to Los Angeles, California and lived with his uncle Claude, his mother's brother. He rejoined his mother and siblings when they moved to Los Angeles in 1956.

Don was born with Tourette Syndrome. He didn’t let his condition dominate or dictate his life. If anything, it made him resilient. Instead of shying away from challenges, Don faced them head-on, using his perseverance to overcome obstacles both in school and at work. His positive outlook inspired those around him, showing that determination and self-acceptance can pave the way for success despite adversity.

Don attended John Adams Junior High School and Jefferson High School of Los Angeles, CA.

At the age of 17 he met Mr. Joe, a Chinese man who ran a family-owned neighborhood market. Mr. Joe brought Don on board as an apprentice butcher. With Mr. Joe's guidance, Don quickly developed valuable skills in meat cutting and learned the importance of hard work and attention to detail. This experience instilled in him a sense of responsibility while also acquainting him with the neighborhood's diverse community and culture. Throughout his career, Don became well-known in the community for his welcoming demeanor and dedication to quality. Customers came back to his counter for both his expertly prepared cuts and friendly, dependable service. He remained a butcher until he retired.

In 1965, Don married Darlene Crandle. To this union, three beautiful children were born: Reginald, Trina, and Anthony. Though they divorced in 1980, he and Darlene remained good friends. Prior to Don’s union with Darlene, he had a son, Jerry Hardge. He later married Evalena Carter which the union ended in 1993. Don realized that the married life was not the best fit for him. He later had a long-term relationship with Donna Turner.

In his young adulthood years Don became interested in martial arts. He pursued and earned a blackbelt in Karate. His dedication to training reflected the same perseverance he showed throughout his life, and he often credited martial arts for helping him develop discipline and focus. In addition to his passion for martial arts, Don valued learning new skills and cultures. He spoke moderate Spanish where he could hold continuous formal and informal conversations. He also enjoyed fishing as a pastime. He once won $900.00 for snagging the catch of the day.

Don was a longtime resident of the Harbor Hills community in Lomita, CA where he resided for 20 years. Over the years, he became a familiar face to everyone in the neighborhood. He was known for lending a helping hand, whether it was driving his neighbors to doctor’s appointments or to the grocery store. He took pride in his cooking, often preparing hearty dishes and desserts for them. He loved, loved, loved to eat. He also loved his Stella Rosa wine and vanilla iced coffee. Don delighted in experimenting with new recipes and was always eager to share his culinary creations with family and friends. Whether it was savoring a homemade meal or exploring new restaurants, he found joy in every bite. Sharing good food and his favorite drink with friends made each moment memorable. He was respected and appreciated in the Harbor Hills community for his kindness and generosity. He established long lasting friendships. His most cherished friendship was with Robin Dean.

Due to medical issues, in January 2022, Donald’s daughter, Trina moved him from Lomita, CA to Lancaster, CA where he briefly stayed with her and his son-in-law, Frank.

In April 2022, he was transferred to the Ellison John Transitional Care Center to obtain specialized and skilled medical treatment appropriate for his needs. During his time at Ellison John Transitional Care Center, he participated in group activities and engaged in physical therapy. He particularly enjoyed the art and music sessions, which allowed him to express his creativity. Donald was known for his warm smile and friendly interactions with both staff and fellow residents. He maintained his positive spirit, often sharing stories from his life and connecting with others through his sense of humor and kindness. Though facing health challenges, he continued to demonstrate resilience and gratitude, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met.

The staff at Ellison John Transitional Care Center displayed compassion, kindness, and professional care. The personal attention they provided transformed the facility into a true home for him. They went above and beyond to ensure that Don maintained his dignity, comfort and joy. He experienced a sense of safety, security, and belonging. Don formed strong connections with several caregivers, who took the time to listen and share moments with him, making each day brighter. He resided at Nurses’ Station 1 during his entire stay.

Don’s family is deeply appreciative of the devoted care he received during this time. They valued the open communication from the staff and the thoughtful way his individual needs were met. The consistent support provided comfort not only to Don but also to his loved ones, knowing he was in good hands.

Don will be remembered for his community support, resilience, and sense of humor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raft C. Simmons Sr. and Maebell Simmons, his brother, Joseph Simmons, his sister, Diana Simmons and nephew, Scott Johnson.

Donald Simmons leaves to cherish his devoted memories: One daughter: Trina Vincent (Frank). Three sons: Reginald Simmons (Jenyce), Anthony Simmons and Jerry Hardge. One brother: Raft Simmons Jr. Two sisters: Sallie Adamson & Artensia (Noonie) McGee. Grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.