Mr. Thomas Leon "Coon" Simmons

Thomas Leon Simmons, affectionately known as "Coon," a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the age of 83, at Baptist Memorial Hospital – Golden Triangle in Columbus.

Leon was born on October 14, 1942, in the Beasley Community, where he began a life rooted in family, hard work, and love. He graduated from Montpelier High School. He was united in marriage to Mary Lynne Brock Simmons on March 9, 1968, and together they shared many years of devotion, companionship, and unwavering support for one another.

Leon was a devoted and proud father to his two daughters, Gigi Simmons Ellis and Leslie Simmons Nash. He took great pride in the women they became and the families they built. Being "Daddy" and "Pawpaw" was one of his greatest joys, and he especially cherished time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whether gathered together for special occasions or simply enjoying everyday moments. His family was his world, and his love, guidance, and quiet strength will continue to live on through them.

Leon dedicated 33 years of service to Holcim in Artesia, where he worked as a warehouse supervisor. He was known for his strong work ethic, dependability, and leadership, earning the respect of his coworkers throughout his long career.

An avid race fan, Leon had a deep love for racing and followed the sport with great enthusiasm, especially cheering on his favorite driver, #59 John L.. He also loved attending vintage car shows and could often be found tinkering in his shop on his beloved Bronco, a pastime that brought him great enjoyment and reflected his lifelong appreciation for cars and craftsmanship.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Harry Simmons and Lillian Andrews Simmons.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Lynne Brock Simmons of West Point; his two daughters, Gigi Simmons Ellis (John) and Leslie Simmons Nash (Chris), both of West Point; six grandchildren, Nathan Ellis (Anna) of Caledonia, Cameron Ellis (Caroline) of Memphis, Tennessee, Mary Catherine Jones (Steven) of West Point, Chase Nash (Claire) of The Colony, Texas, Maegen Ellis (Geoffrey) of Olive Branch, and Sara Claire Nash (Tanner) of West Point; eight great-grandchildren, Yeates Parham, Madison Jones, Jackson Ellis, Simmons Ellis, Maddox Jones, Eva Grace King, and Henry Ellis and one more to add this year; sister, Bobbie Jo Simmons Rhea of West Point; a sister-in-law, Cathy McKinney (Jimmy) of West Point; two brothers-in-law, Rev. Eddie Brock (Sandra) and Gary Brock (Roxie), both of Montpelier, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Known to many as "Coon," Leon lived a life full of love and devotion, guided by his faith and the values he cherished most. He will be remembered for his steady presence, kind heart, and the deep love he had for his family. Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing he is at peace, and his legacy of love, passion, and devotion will continue to live on through those who were blessed to know him.

Thomas Leon Simmons will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Visitation will be on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. at Calvert Funeral Home in West Point. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 P.M. from Calvert Funeral Home Chapel with Robert "Red" Rhea officiating. Burial will follow in Palestine Cemetery in Montpelier. Calvert Funeral Home of West Point is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Pallbearers will be Nathan Ellis, Cameron Ellis, Chase Nash, Steven Jones, Geoffrey King, and Tanner Watts.

Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Ned Miller and the third floor Doctors, Nurses, and Staff at Baptist Memorial Hospital - Golden Triangle in Columbus, and Baptist Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 8217, Jackson, Mississippi 39284.