Jack Marlowe Simmons

Simmons, Jack Marlowe Jack Simmons, 87, a native of Orange County, passed away November 22, 2010. Jack was born August 25, 1923, in Garden Grove, CA. His parents were June Hale and Albert Simmons. Jack graduated from Garden Grove High School in 1941. He then entered the US Navy where he served in the Pacific and survived the sinking of his ship, the USS Lexington, in the Coral Sea in May of 1942. Jack worked as a barber in Orange County. Anyone who knew Jack, instantly like him and had a devoted friend. He was a snazzy dresser and loved the music from his era. He played it constantly. Jack liked gardening, especially flowers. There was always a vase of roses on his table. He met and married Beth Wik in 1969. They enjoyed life for 36 years, visiting family, traveling and just being together. Jack took loving care of Beth in her later years until her death in 2005. He said that "Beth was the only women he ever loved." Jack is survived by his daughter, Sherri (Bob Brown), of Oroville, CA. Beth had four children who Jack accepted as his own, Karen, (Preben Jensen) of Sandy, UT, Joseph Anthony Wik of SLC, UT, Marva (Edward Price), Vancouver, WA, and Barbara (Jackson Quigley), Jacksonville, FL. Jack is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Jack's brother, Robert Hale Simmons and his parents preceded him in death. Jack lived in various cities in Orange County during his life, most recently at Villa Valencia Senior Retirement Living in Laguna Hills, CA. Heartfelt thanks to friends and caregivers at Villa Valencia and Saddleback Hospice who helped so much during these last weeks. Services will be held Monday, November 29, 2010, 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 12742 Lampson Ave, Garden Grove, with viewing one hour prior to the service. Contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society or The Alzheimer's Foundation. Dimond & Shannon Mortuary