Frank Milton Simon

“There are people and then there are giants, Pops was a giant in my life” - Jay Benton

On Monday, August 29, 2016, with a late summer breeze blowing, gospel music on his stereo, and surrounded by his children, Frank transitioned peacefully and joined his bride, Gisele, in heaven. He is survived by his children, son Jean-Pierre (Kerri) Simon, and daughters Sabine Riggins of Olympia, and Florence Simon of Bellingham. He is also survived by his grandchildren Brittini Cleeves, Alisha Milano, Calvin Cleeves, Franklin Riggins, Airyl Simon, Skylyr Simon, Andriece Riggins all of Olympia, and Starlynn Simon of Sacramento, California, and four great-grandchildren Angelina Odenbrect-Cleeves, Lillie Brown-Riggins, Alekzander Gilley, and Maxine Riggins of Olympia. He also leaves a host of family and friends in Springfield, Illinois.

Frank was born on May 5, 1934 in Clinton, Indiana and raised in Springfield, Illinois. He proudly enlisted in the US Army in 1951. His various duty stations included Trois-Fontaines, France, where he met and married the love of his life, Gisele; Camp Polk, Louisiana, Vietnam, Korea, and Germany. His final duty station was Fort Lewis, Washington in 1977. Frank retired from active duty in 1978 under the rank of Master Sergeant, E-8.

He then worked for a short time at the Washington State Penitentiary in Shelton, Washington before continuing his career in Civil Service at Fort Lewis, Washington from which he retired in 1997.

Frank loved cooking for family and friends, photography, singing (and listening to) blues and gospel, and playing poker with his best friend of 40 years, Bob Crawford. He was a long standing member of the Deacon Board at New Life Baptist Church and a member of the men’s choir as well as the group, Grace & Company.

There will be a viewing on Thursday, September 8, 2016 from 9:00am-10:00am followed by his home going celebration at 10:00am at New Life Baptist Church. There will be a repast following the service at New Life Baptist Church in Morris Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the American Cancer Society or City Gates Ministries.

Arrangements under the direction of Mills & Mills Funeral Home and Memorial Park, Tumwater, WA.