Donald Joseph Simon

ABBEVILLE - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 p.m., on Friday, June 27, 2025, at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church honoring the life of Donald Joseph Simon, 91, who passed away on June 25, 2025, at his residence. Reverend Daniel Picard will officiate at the funeral mass. Readers will be Lindsay Watson, and Belinda Simon. Gift bearers will be Leah Simon, Hillary Faber, and Ashley Broussard. Burial will follow at St. Paul Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Donny Simon, Aaron Watson, Derek Broussard, Justin Simon, Jacob Eichfeld, and David Faber. Honorary pallbearers will be Lynn Simon and Dean Simon.

A visitation will take place at Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, 209 S. Saint Charles St., Abbeville on Friday, June 27, 2025, from 9:00 AM until 1:30 p.m. when the procession will depart for the church. A rosary will be prayed at 12:30 p.m.

Donald was born on March 29, 1934 in Leroy, LA. He was called “Duck” by his teachers and classmates at Indian Bayou High School as well as his three boys, but after the grandchildren arrived, his nickname changed to “Paw”. No one could ever be described as a better husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, or friend. He had the most beautiful blue eyes that just shined with his frequent happy smiles and laughs. He was a devoted husband for 69 years, and an attentive father who guided his three sons into becoming good men. In 1974, Paw was awarded “Outstanding Craftsman” by the South Louisiana Chapter of the American Institute of Architects for his creative and talented work. He excelled in construction and especially his main field of masonry. His ‘measure twice, cut once’ attitude was visible in everything he built or worked on. There was no such thing as ‘close enough’. He worked for perfection. As foreman for mason construction on big commercial projects (like Lafayette General Hospital, Abbeville General Hospital, and several local schools) as well as many private homes, his friends and family would joke that he built most of the brick buildings south of I-10. He was honest and hard working. He never sat still for long and was always thinking about how to fix or improve or create his next project. He still found time to celebrate with friends and family with weekend BBQs or crawfish boils. He and his family took vacations with friends to places as close as Six Flags in Houston, or as distant as California, Nashville, or Disney World. His favorite destination was Branson for the shows and entertainment.

He is survived by three sons, Lynn F. Simon and his wife, Belinda, Donny L. Simon and his wife, Janet, and Dean P. Simon and his wife, Min; grandchildren, Lindsay Watson (Aaron), Ashley Broussard (Derek), Justin Simon (Leah), Hillary Faber (David), Tiffany Rudolph (Garrett), and Jacob Eichfeld; and fourteen great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by the love of his life, wife Wanda Sherman Simon; parents, Hazard Simon and the former Claudia Breaux; sister, Betty Simon Baudoin; granddaughter, Shannon Simon Duhon;

The family would like to thank the Oncology Department at Abbeville General Hospital for the care and treatment Paw received from everyone. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Hospice of Acadiana for their care, understanding, and services at the most difficult times. Natalie and Dona were so attentive to Paw’s needs. With their help Paw was able to stay in the comfort of his home. Very special thanks go to the angel sent from God to our family, Brandy. Brandy gave the most loving emotional and physical support to not only Paw, but to the entire family. She was not only his caregiver, she was his friend. Brandy is now considered a cherished family member.

All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville (337) 893-4661.