David Fred Simons

David Fred Simons "Butch" David Fred Simons "Butch" - our Hero - returned to his Father in Heaven on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, surrounded by his loving family. He fought the good fight against cancer for over nine years, but finally lost the battle. Dave was born August 18, 1942 to Fred Martin and Donna Jeannette Haycock Simons, the oldest of six children. He graduated from Bountiful High School in 1960. He married his high school sweetheart, Joan Mann, December 29, 1961 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They have six children and 20 grandchildren that Dave loved and respected with all his heart. His last few days were filled with joy having all his children and grandchildren surrounding him. Dave enlisted in the Army in 1961 and began a career of military and civilian service to his country. When his enlistment ended he returned to his studies at Weber State University joining Air Force ROTC, graduating as a Second Lieutenant. He returned to active duty serving in Vietnam where he earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. After his full-time service ended, he was active in the Reserve earning the rank of Lt. Colonel before he retired. Dave also worked as a civilian employee until the time of his death. Through these busy years he also managed to earn two Masters Degrees, but his greatest accomplishment in this life was that of being a loving and devoted husband and father, taking pride in all that his family accomplished. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as Stake Executive Secretary with two stake presidents. He also served as financial/assistant financial clerk with three bishoprics. Dave is survived by his wife and his children: Martin (Linda) Simons, David (Mandy) Simons, Sean (Nicole) Simons, Lindsay (Jack) Mattes, Whitney (Ryan) Johnson, Mackenzie (Rob) Ertmann, and grandchildren: Marti, Katie, Chloë, Curt, Emily, Zachary, Jacob, Alyssa, Alexandra, Gretchen, Ivie, Emma, Gracie, Isabelle, Maitlyn, Calista, Gabrielle, Xander and Xayn. Also his brothers and sisters, Richard (Colleen), Clark (Nancy), Drew (Crystal), Donnalynne and Krista. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Xaiden. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thurs., November 20, 2008 at the Woods Cross 3rd Ward Chapel, 1450 South 350 West, Bountiful. Visitation will be Wed., evening from 6-8 p.m. at Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary, 295 N. Main and Thurs. morning 9:45-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment-Bountiful City Cemetery. Online guest book at www.russonmortuary.com