Eugene "Kelly" Kelleher Simon

E. Kelleher “Kelly” Simon passed away peacefully at home with his family just before sunrise on Wednesday, August 26th at the age of 82. He said good-bye to the love of his life, the late Ellen Nalty Gambel Simon a year ago, and August 13th would have been their 60th Wedding Anniversary. Kelly is survived by their 5 children and 9 grandchildren. Kathleen E. Simon, Gene Simon (Marji and sons Nicholas, Michael and William); Jeanne Simon Burvant (John and their children Brian and Elizabeth); Lisette Simon Gros (Dale and their children Matthew and Samuel); and Charles Simon (Kerri and their children Lucy and Wesley). He was born on 10/12/1937 to the late Gene and Dorothy Simon and is survived by his sister, Linda Simon Weber (Billy) of Birmingham.

Kelly was a graduate of Lusher Elementary and Jesuit High School Class of 1955. He watched with pride as both of his sons and his son in law graduated from Jesuit, followed by 4 of his grandsons. He attended Tulane University and Law School, graduating in 1961 with a combined degree in business and law. Professionally, he spent more than 50 years representing insurance companies and their insureds. Kelly was a defense trial attorney and a force to be reckoned with, both in and out of the courtroom.

In the late 1970’s, he founded the firm of Murphy & Simon, and quickly saw the need for a second office on the Northshore. In 1986 his daughter Kathleen joined the practice and the firm became Simon, Rees & Simon. Kelly was a long time member of Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel, graded Bar Exams for more than 40 years and served as a committee chair for the disciplinary board. Kelly lived to see his oldest grandson Nicholas graduate from law school this year and become the third generation of the Simon family to join the profession, as an attorney & counselor at law.

Kelly and Ellen were devoted to their grandchildren passing on their love of family, importance of education and pride in New Orleans. Having travelled the world with their dear friends Chris and Jeannette Lawler, they encouraged their family to seek adventure in travel, explore national parks and preserve natural beauty and wildlife. A Ducks Unlimited member, Kelly (Popie) shared his love of hunting with his “boys”. In a pirogue in the Atchafalaya Basin, a duck blind on Shell Island and in a deer stand anywhere, he found his cathedral.

“Here he lies where he longed to be;

Home is the sailor, home from the sea

And the hunter home from the hill.”

Requiem - Robert Louis Stevenson

Due to current restrictions prohibiting large gatherings and Irish wakes, we invite you to share your memories and stories on the Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home guest book at www.lakelawnmetairie.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Jesuit High School Scholarship Fund.