Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Jesse Simon Obituary
Lieutenant Colonel Jesse Simon, beloved father and grandfather, died peacefully at the age of 95 on Saturday, October 4, in Austin, Texas. Jesse was born on June 13, 1913 in Cherokee Oklahoma to Harry Cleveland and Alma Ford Simon. He graduated from Cherokee High School in 1930, where he played football and joined the ROTC. He married Madge Simonson (deceased) in 1933 and they had two sons together, Pete Simon (deceased) and Jim Simon. He received a Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Oklahoma in 1934, where he helped design, build and operate the OU radio station. Upon receiving his Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering in 1935, he enrolled in Princeton University, where he attended Albert Einstein's seminars on the mathematics of relativity, was granted a Top Secret security clearance, and accepted a position as a senior engineer with Bell Laboratories in New Jersey. He married Mary Frances Mobley (deceased) in 1955 in Whippany, New Jersey, and they had son Stephen Simon in 1956. Jesse entered the United States Air Force in 1930, and fought in World War II, later returning stateside where he trained women pilots and met Amelia Earhart. He served in the Reserves until his retirement in 1963, whereupon he accepted the position of senior engineer for the Nike Zeus Air Missile Defense System. During the time he worked at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, he met President John F. Kennedy and published scientific articles in Popular Mechanics and Electrical Engineer. Jesse enjoyed a long and extraordinary life of adventures and accomplishments, witnessing history, travelling widely and holding many patents. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to his granddaughters Rhyne Simon of Houston, Texas and Remi Simon of Austin, Texas, and loving father to his son Stephen Simon and daughter-in-law, Piper Simon with whom he has lived for the last twelve years. A private memorial service was held at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with a military honor guard procession on Friday, October 10, 2008. Arrangements by Wilke-Clay-Fish Funeral Home, 2620 S. Congress, Austin, TX 512/442-1446. You may view memorials at www.wcfish.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jesse Simon
Mirtha Chavez
October 28, 2008
Mr. Simon will be greatly missed. He was an outstanding person.. so kind and loveable... I will be forever be grateful for all the advice he gave me. My most sincere sympathy goes out to The Simon Family... you guys will always be in my prayers.
Amanda Roper
October 24, 2008
Jesse Simon was an extremely delightful man and always made me smile. My condolences & prayers to his loved ones in this hard time. Much love and respect to you all.
Patricia Macias
October 24, 2008
My sympathies to Steve/Piper and family.Mr.Simon was a wonderful man,I loved to hear his stories of his life experiences,I will miss him very much,but he will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy Robles
October 23, 2008
Mr. Simon,
Well there was no one particular word to discribe the extraordinary man. So say that when he spoke of his adventures and the love story that he had with his wife was beautiful. I will miss him dearly and all his wonderful advice. He was one in a million. We will miss you very much.
April Barraza
October 17, 2008
Mr. Simon was a wonderful person!!! I would love when he would share his stories about the experiences he had in life. He was one of a kind and it was a pleasure to have known him. He will be dearly missed.
Mike Casey
October 17, 2008
Col. Simon,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your years of dedicated service and sacrifice for our Country when you served in the USAF-especially during WW II. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Ruben Guerra
October 17, 2008
A great man who will be missed.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in Jesse Simon's name
Memorial Events
for Jesse Simon
How to support Jesse's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Jesse Simon's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
