Brian DuBose Simons

Brian DuBose Simons

The best husband, father, and friend.

Brian lived his life with unwavering devotion to his family. He made sure they were cared for, deeply loved, and never in need. His quiet strength, steady presence, and generous heart were the foundation of their lives.

Professionally, Brian was a builder-not just of programs and systems, but of people. With a sharp mind and a creative spirit, he led with wisdom, mentored with patience, and inspired others to grow. He believed in people, and because of that, they believed in themselves.

Above all, Brian loved God. He dedicated his life to following Jesus with humility and faith, and it showed in every aspect of who he was-from the way he treated others to the way he lived each day.

When Donna asked their 10-year-old son, Cooper, to describe his father, he didn't hesitate:

"Loving. Kind. Caring…. He didn't just say 'I love you'-he actually meant it."

Brian DuBose Simons, age 55, of Leander, Texas, passed away on Thursday, September 25,

2025, at his home, surrounded by his wife, sons, and brother. He was born on November 23, 1969, in Milam County, Texas, and grew up in Hearne, TX. From a young age, Brian developed a love for sports-spending countless hours playing basketball with neighborhood kids. He went on to play baseball, basketball, and football throughout his youth. He also worked alongside his father at the auction barn in Calvert, learning the value of hard work and connection to community.

Brian graduated from Hearne High School in 1988, earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State) in 1993, and later received his Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2003.

In 2001, Brian became a father when Travis Kelly Simons was born-a role he embraced with pride and purpose.

In 2010, Brian met Donna on Match.com. They both enjoyed the reactions received back then when they shared how they met. During their early conversations, Donna was out of town caring for her mother, who was battling breast cancer. They spent hours talking on the phone, building a bond that deepened quickly. Six months later, Brian proposed to Donna on Mount Bonnell in Austin.

They were married on June 10, 2011, in the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona. Eager to grow their family, they faced challenges and heartache, but in 2015, their prayers were answered with the birth of their son, Cooper Clifton Simons-born on March 27, the same birthday as his big brother, Travis.

Brian had a soft spot for animals. Over the years, he had a few Labs-each named.

"Duke"-and his affection for them never wavered. He and Donna later welcomed their family dog, Stoney, and Brian cared for him as lovingly and attentively as he did his own family.

Early in his career, Brian worked in tech sales, where he earned numerous awards for his performance and leadership. For the last 17 years, he built a remarkable career at Apple, most recently serving as an Area Manager.

But the true reward for Brian's hard work came not in titles or accolades, but in the people he influenced. In the final weeks of his life, countless colleagues and team members reached out to share how much he had meant to them-how he had taught them, supported them, and treated them with fairness and respect. They spoke of his wisdom, his guidance, and how his mentorship had shaped their lives and careers.

Brian was, without question, a phenomenal leader-but even more, he was a steady example of integrity, humility, and compassion in the workplace.

He also had a lifelong love of history and politics. Brian devoured books and articles on everything from ancient battles to modern elections. He was Donna's go-to source for the news-always thoughtful, well-read, and fair in his opinions. She often said he should have run for office. He and Cooper spent countless hours talking about historical events, wars, and current political issues-conversations that meant the world to them both.

Brian was a passionate sports fan. He loved keeping up with the latest games, team standings, and rivalries-especially when he could talk sports with his friends. He made regular trips to Arlington to cheer on his beloved Texas Rangers, and one of the most joyful moments of his life was when they finally won their first World Series in 2023. Brian, Donna, and Cooper cried, hollered, and prayed their way through the playoffs. His family loved attending local Texas Stars hockey games and Round Rock Express games. He was also a loyal supporter of his alma mater, the Texas State Bobcats, attending a game or two each year, and remained a die-hard Dallas Cowboys and UT Longhorns fan for life.

One of Brian's proudest moments came earlier this year, when his oldest son, Travis, graduated from the University of Texas. He beamed with pride-and rightly so.

Brian also had a deep love of music. He was drawn to singer-songwriters and always connected with the story behind the lyrics. He played guitar and even took a few piano lessons just to learn something new. Elvis topped the list of his favorite artists, and in November 2024, Brian got to fulfill a longtime dream of visiting Graceland. Already experiencing discomfort, he traded in his dream truck for a minivan so the family could make the trip comfortably together.

He loved old western movies, with The Searchers being his all-time favorite. He and Cooper often had "Cowboy Movie and BBQ Saturdays," complete with brisket, root beer and of course banana pudding for dessert. They also watched Star Trek episodes together and spent quiet time reading the Bible before bedtime-moments that became a treasured rhythm of their weeks.

Brian was a giver, in every sense. Every year, without fail, he sent Donna flowers at work for her birthday and their anniversary. Christmas was his favorite time of year and each season, the tree stayed up a little longer. He delighted in stuffing stockings with care, making sure each one felt special and perfectly chosen for the person receiving it.

Above all, Brian was a proud father. He loved his boys more than anything. Everything he did-every decision, every sacrifice-was to give them the best life he could. He never wanted them to doubt, even for a moment, how deeply they were loved. In a note he left behind he says, "I have been blessed beyond my wildest dreams to have two great sons and Donna as my partner in life." He also requested they enjoy a grand trip after he passes. "I worked hard to get this far. I want y'all to enjoy life".

And he thanked God each and every day for his blessings. Brian lived with quiet strength, deep faith, and a heart that gave endlessly. His life was a gift to those who knew him, and his love will live on in the family and friends he cherished and in the lives he touched. We will carry his memory with us-every day, in all the best parts of who we are.

Brian was preceded in death by his mother, Diana DuBose Simons, father Robert Kelly Simons, brother Kyle Simons, and grandparents Sula Hobbs Simons and Kelly Lee Simons. He is survived by his wife, Donna Hranitzky Simons, sons Travis and Cooper, brother Rob Simons of Atlanta, GA and sister Julie Shillings of Katy, TX, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Wonders & Worries would be greatly appreciated.