David William Simmons

David William Simmons, loving son, husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away on May 23, 2022 in Palm Desert, CA. He was 85.

David was born on Nov. 30, 1936 in Monterey Park to Don O. Simmons Jr. and Fern Beatrice (Baker) Simmons. He was the second of three boys, brother to Don Lee and Richard Victor.

In the 1940s, Don and Fern moved their family to Burbank, CA. Both worked in the aviation industry, including for Lockheed in Burbank a career David would follow as well.

David graduated from John Burroughs High School in Burbank and enlisted in the United States Navy in October 1954, one month shy of his 18th birthday. He served as a Radio Officer on active duty stationed in the Pacific, including in Honolulu, until April 1956. Transferring to the Naval Reserves based out of San Francisco, David received Honorable Discharge in 1962. David also attended Glendale Community College.

David has three children from a previous marriage: Victoria Christine, Patrick David and Leslie Kathleen.

In July 1971, he married Susan May (Richardson) Simmons and became stepfather to Todd and Tim Aupperle. David and Sue were married for more than 50 years until his death.

The couple resided in Burbank until 1992 when they moved permanently to Palm Desert. Throughout their 50-year marriage, David and Sue enjoyed a variety of activities and family outings, including camping, boating, fishing and golfing.

Throughout his professional career, David worked for various aviation industry corporations. He spent 20 years as a vice president of sales for Barry Controls in Burbank.

These are the facts about David, but words are impossible to sum up the life of a man who was a scholar, the head of the family and a dear brother and friend to many, including his "boys" at The 19th Hole Bar and Restaurant who lovingly called him "Uncle Davey." He will forever be missed.

David is preceded in death by his parents, Don Jr. and Fern, and brother Don.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Susan of Palm Desert and brother Richard (Sue) Simmons of Mancos, CO; His children, Victoria (Memphis, TN), Patrick (Castaic, CA) and Leslie Simmons (Canyon Country, CA); step-sons Todd (Erin) Aupperle (Yucaipa, CA) and Tim (Curstin) Aupperle (Thousand Oaks, CA), 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren plus one on the way, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Services will take place June 24 at Riverside National Ceremony. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Cathedral City, California.

Having been Honorably Discharged from the Navy, David's final resting place will be in the veteran's cemetery and he will receive full military burial honors.

Due to limitations at the cemetery, please do not send flowers as only two floral displays are allowed and the family has already made floral arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Disabled American Veterans (www.dav.org/Donate) or Wounded Warriors Project (https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/) in memory of David W. Simmons, U.S. Navy 1954-62.