Clarence Buddy G. Simon Jr.

Colonel Clarence Gabriel Simon, Jr. (Buddy), age 91, of Annandale, VA passed away peacefully Thursday, July 26, 2012 at Arleigh Burke Nursing Home in McLean, VA. He was born in Lafayette, LA on May 9, 1921, son of the late Clarence Simon and Louise Simon. He graduated from Lafayette HS and received a degree in Business Administration from the University of Louisiana Lafayette (formerly, University of Southwestern Louisiana).

Colonel Simon enlisted in the Army in 1938 and served with the 31st Infantry Division. In 1942 he was selected to attend Officers Candidate School. Upon graduation as a Second Lieutenant, he began his career in Military Intelligence. He served his country in WWII and was awarded the Bronze Star. He continued his career in Great Britain, Germany, Korea, Southeast Asia, Georgia, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington, D.C. After a very successful 29 year military career, Colonel Simon retired from the Army in January, 1968 and began a career in Real Estate.

In his spare time, Colonel Simon was active in the S.W. Louisiana Horticulture Assn. and was President of the Louisiana Nursery Assn. He served as Little League Manager, Cub and Scout Master, Secretary of the San Jacinto Chapter Assn. of the US Army, President of the Hilltop Haven Teen Club, served on the Board of Governors for the Ramstein Golf Course, and was a teaching pro at the City Golf Course of Lafayette, fulfilling his passion for golf. He also enjoyed trips to Bethany Beach, DE, where he’d entertain his grandchildren at his vacation home with crabbing, fishing, and golfing. At home he enjoyed watching the birds in his backyard, cheering the Redskins, watching golf tournaments, and spending hours making miniature dollhouse furniture for his granddaughters.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Rosellen Loges Simon, formerly of Wheeling, WVA, a daughter Suzanne Bienert and her husband, George, of Peachtree City, GA, son, Dr. K. Martin Simon and his wife, Devereaux of Northfield, VT, and son Steven Alan Simon of Asheville, NC. Also surviving are his sisters Gloria Ritchey of Lafayette, LA and Nevelyn Frink of Bremerton, WA, as well as many nieces and nephews and several aunts and uncles. He was very proud of his grandchildren: Margaux Simon of Chapel Hill, NC, Matt Simon of Carrboro, NC, Nicole Bienert of NYC, NY, Sam Simon of Boston, MA, and Nicholas Simon, of Northfield, VT, who preceded him in death. His sister Mary Mae Simon of Lafayette, LA, also preceded him in death.

The family would like to thank Teresa, his compassionate caregiver for 3 years, and the staff at Arleigh Burke Pavilion Nursing Home and Capital Caring for their support and kindness during the past month.

A visitation for family and friends will begin at 2 pm on August 11, 2012 followed by a 3:00pm service at Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22151. Interment will be on Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 11:00am at Arlington National Cemetery. Meet at the Admin. Building by 10:30am