REUBEN SIMMONS

REUBEN SIMMONS  
Died Sunday, August 13, 2017 shortly after his 103rd birthday on the 9th. He leaves behind his wife of almost 20 years, Marilyn Charles; his sons, Edward and Reuben, daughter, Linda; 10 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and relatives; and a multitude of close friends. A native of Charleston, SC, where his father owned the well-known Ocean Fish Company, Mr. Simmons attended Lincoln University in Kansas City, MO and pursued graduate studies at the University of Chicago and the Washington College of Law at the American University.In his early career Mr. Simmons worked at the Department of Agriculture as the project director of an experimental development program representing rural farmers during the Great Depression. For 25 years he continued his career overseas as an advisor to foreign governments on agricultural banking. In carrying out his assignments for the U.S. government, the Ford Foundation and the World Bank in Libya, Kenya, Vietnam and Bangladesh, Mr. Simmons utilized skills in financial development and mediation. He was recruited by Sargent Shriver to establish the early Peace Corps programs in Tunisia and Morocco. Mr. Simmons will be remembered for his easy-going nature, his fascinating tales, and his vigor to the very end. A memorial service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I Street SW, at 7:30 p.m, preceded by a traditional church potluck at 6:30 p.m. All welcome.