Frank Ernest Simon Sr.

1932 - 2022

Frank Ernest Simon Sr., 90

January 18, 1932 – February 4, 2022

A quiet, little ember slowly died out as our wonderful Dad, Grandfather, confidant, and friend, slipped peacefully over to his long- awaited walk with Jesus. FRANK E SIMON SR. passed away peacefully in his home with his dedicated son Bob at his side.

Frank was the only child born to Ernest Simon and Margaret (McKinnon) Simon on January 18th, 1932, in Butte, MT. He spoke often of his early childhood years spent with cousins in Philipsburg, later moving to Butte to attend St Patrick's grade school. He graduated from Butte Central High School in May 1950. On his 19th birthday, January 18th, 1951, he joined the armed forces serving active duty during the Korean war until 1953 and remained in the Army reserves until August 1956.

1953 was a big year for Frank. He returned home from the Army, met the love of his life, Carol Anne (Lee) Simon, and took her hand in marriage shortly thereafter. Frank and Carol celebrated their 67th year of that union just prior to her passing in April of 2020. Together they welcomed five beautiful children into the world, eleven grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.

Frank took his first job at Crystal Creamery starting a lifelong career as a well known and loved delivery truck driver. He told many stories of delivering dairy products throughout the Butte and Meaderville areas. He moved on to delivery service for Paumie Cleaners for several years, and finally found his place at Harrington's Pepsi Cola Bottling where he worked for 30 years, earning his nickname as "Pepsi Frank". Frank set the course, living by example of hard work, dedication, and family roots, deep into the veins of his children and grandchildren, that have proven to serve them all well. He retired in 1995 and celebrated with Carol, by taking a scenic trip to Alaska.

During his retirement, he fulfilled his title as "Grandpa//Papa", and could be found rain or shine, promptly at 2:30 at Whittier School, chatting with other Grandpas waiting for the 3:00 bell, to pick up grandkids. He loved spending time with each of his grandchildren, teaching them to appreciate the great outdoors, strong family values, dedication to their faith, and in the rewards of pursuing their goals. He boasted with pride watching each of them accomplish those goals in academics, sports, and life. He and Carol donated time and effort to the Butte Food Bank, and caretaking at Holy Spirit Church.

Our Dad was not only our hero, but became a local hero early one morning when his quick thinking saved the lives of two young children from a burning house on Galena St. March 26, 1958, He had stopped to make a delivery on his dairy truck, when he noted smoke coming from a house across the street. He ran into the smoke-filled home and found the two boys stunned and staring at flames. He grabbed both boys up and ran back across the street to another house to call the fire department. Neither of the boy's parents were at home at the time. The fire destroyed the house. The newspaper, firemen, and police all deemed Frank a life saving hero!

Frank was an avid lover of the great outdoors, spending countless hours hunting with old friends and best bud Frank JR, fishing off the dock at Hayden Lake, four wheeling with Bob and the kids, watching kids and grandkids perform music and sports, told the SCARIEST ghost stories sitting around the campfire, and entertained us all with his funny antics. He took great pride in taking time teaching each of his children and grandchildren to respect and enjoy the sport of shooting. He was an Honorary Lifetime Member of the National Rifle Association, and proudly wore his US Veteran hat everywhere! He will be greatly missed, and we pray he finds his shining light and smile again in heaven.

Frank is preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Margaret Simon, In-laws Ralph and Helen Lee, Son Frank Simon JR., wife Carol (Lee) Simon, and beloved and loyal dog Fleecer. He is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Laurie (Steve) Petroni of Hayden ID, Rosalie (Mike) Hackett of Butte, Lisa (Brian) Havlovick of Polson, MT., son, and daughter-in-law Bob (Jennifer) Simon of Butte. Grandchildren, Nick Petroni, Lindsey (Petroni) Friedly, Kerry Simon, Joseph Simon, Danny Simon, Tyler Hackett, Hailey Hackett, Alex Havlovick, Loni Havlovick, Mario Simon, Mason Simon, and faithful furry friend Sugar.

Special thanks to Bob and Jennifer, you have gone above and beyond in caring for Dad. Thank you to Ann Bachman, you are an amazing person! We cannot thank you enough for your heartfelt kindness and love you have shown our family. Thank you for the dedication of Compasses nurses and Meals on Wheels Delivery personnel.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Chelsea Bailey Humane Society, or Wounded Warriors.

Rosary will be prayed at 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 329 W. Mercury St, Butte, MT, 59701. Visitation will follow at 10:00 a.m. at the church. Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Following Mass, Rite of Committal with Military Honors will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery, 4700 Harrison Ave, Butte, Montana, 59701.

Please visit www.buttefuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Frank.

Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services is privileged to care for Frank and his family.