Franklin ‘Frank’ Bruce Simmons

Franklin “Frank” Bruce Simmons passed away peacefully on Jan. 14, 2022, at the age of 93, next to his beloved wife of 72 years. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Franklin Bruce Simmons and Lucille (Burkes) Simmons, and six siblings.

Frank is survived by his devoted wife, Ruth Pauline Simmons. Frank is also survived by his sister, Carolyn (Simmons) Lawrence of Coshocton, OH. He is also survived by his two children, Franklin “Bruce” (Pat) Simmons III of Asheboro, NC, Susan Elaine Simmons of Naples, FL; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Frank was born on April 26, 1928, in Coshocton, OH. He graduated from Coshocton High School. He was an avid supporter of every community he lived in, serving as a charter member of the North Tuscarawas Township Fire Department. He served as President and Chairman of the Lions Club and prided himself on selling programs at the Coshocton County Fairgrounds every fall. He had an impressive amateur baseball career but prided himself on sharing his love for baseball as a founder of the little league program in Canal Lewisville, OH. He was a lifelong member of the Canal Lewisville UMC.

In his first job with Firestone, Frank would crawl into B-17 gas tanks to spread the sealant to ensure they were liquid-tight. Later, Frank loyally served General Electric for 41 years, retiring as the Manager of Customer Service and Merchandising. It was there that Frank and Pauline met and grew their romance and later married on Christmas Eve of 1949 after eloping to Russell, Kentucky.

His years raising his family in Coshocton were spent in community with many cousins with plenty of weekend nights playing cards. Frank moved to Venice, Florida and later to Englewood, Florida; and just as his infamous answering machine always reminded us, you could find him “fishing, playing golf, or at the Beach.” In reality, you’d find Frank leading the neighborhood security team, being the neighborhood handyman, or walking his grandkids around to meet the neighbors whom he adored. Later on in his years, while unable to help his neighbors, he still found great friendship in them and cherished every opportunity to introduce his family to the neighbors who delighted in helping him.

Known to his grandchildren as “Papa,” he is remembered by all saying “Papa loves you” to every one of them every chance he could get. And boy did he get those chances, and he came to nearly every grandchild event he was able to attend and made friends with almost everyone there.

A Celebration of Life will take place at a date TBD with internment at the South Lawn Cemetery also at a date TBD.

Category: Obituaries