David T. Simmons

"He will not forget your work and the love you have shown." Hebrews 6:10. A beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, David Thomas Simmons, died Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010. He was 86, born July 26, 1923, in Baton Rouge. He later graduated from Byrd High School in Shreveport, attended LSU and joined the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving as a first lieutenant during World War II. Upon completion of service, he returned to LSU, where he received his degree in electrical engineering and then worked for International Business Machines in Baton Rouge and throughout the United States for 37 years. After retiring, he and his wife Lorraine moved to Belle River, where they resided for several years. In 1994, they returned to Baton Rouge, where they became parishioners of St. George Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lorraine Gainey Simmons; six children, David Simmons Jr. and wife Judy Payne Simmons, Elizabeth Simmons Tarleton, Patricia Simmons Gaunt and husband Stephen, Michael Simmons, Jeffrey Simmons, and Ric Simmons and wife Andrea LeCocq Simmons; four grandchildren, Stacy Simmons Nugent and husband Ramey, Chad David Simmons, David Michael Tarleton and Sean David Simmons; and great-granddaughter, Pacian Olivia Nugent. Preceded in death by his parents, A.B. Simmons and Ida McHugh Simmons; sister, Beth Simmons Baker; and brothers, A.B. Simmons Jr. and William McHugh Simmons, M.D. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., on Wednesday, Feb. 3, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visitation at St. George Catholic Church on Thursday, Feb. 4, from 10 a.m. until religious service at 11 a.m. Interment in Roselawn Cemetery. Pallbearers will be David Simmons Jr., Michael Simmons, Jeffrey Simmons, Ric Simmons, Stephen Gaunt, Chad Simmons, David Tarleton and Sean Simmons. Honorary pallbearer is Ramey Nugent. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Baton Rouge.