Fred J. Simmons

Fred J. Simmons, 100, of Litchfield Park, AZ., passed away on Dec. 27, 2012 in Litchfield Park, AZ. He had recently celebrated his 100th birthday, in October.  Fred was born near Simmons, MO in 1912 and moved to Whittier, CA with his parents, John and Mollie Simmons, when he was four years old.  He lived in the Whittier / La Habra area for 87 years. He graduated from Whittier High School and attended Stanford University before graduating from Whittier College.  He married Margaret Chenoweth in 1936 and they enjoyed a marriage of 64 years until her passing in 2000.  Most of Fred’s working career was spent with the Union Oil Co. as a petroleum engineer. He worked in offshore drilling in California, Alaska, Scotland, Japan and Thailand, retiring as Offshore Drilling Manager. He enjoyed 35 years of retirement, most of which were spent caring for his avocado and lemon groves in La Habra Heights, CA.  In 2003, he moved to Litchfield Park, AZ to be near family. He lived at the La Loma Village retirement community where he very much enjoyed the friendship of the other residents.  Fred leaves behind his daughter and son-in-law Susy and Ron Simonsgaard of Goodyear, AZ, and son and daughter-in-law Jon and Lois Simmons of Everett ,WA.  He also will be greatly missed by his six grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren who called him “Papa The Great”.  A memorial service was held at La Loma on Thursday, January 3rd at 2:30 PM, and there will be a graveside service at Rose Hills Cemetery in Whittier, CA on Monday, January 7th.    Condolences can be sent to www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com.  Arrangements are under the direction of Thompson Funeral Chapel in Goodyear, AZ.