Octave J. Simoneaux

1920 - 2024

Octave J. Simoneaux passed away on September 16, 2024 at the age of 104. He was born on July 26, 1920 in the little town of Lakeland, Louisiana, near New Roads. His family moved to New Orleans when he was 4. He attended St. Alphonse School and graduated in the first graduating class from Redemptorist High School in June of 1938. In July of 1941, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He sailed across the globe on the USS President Hayes, from New York through the Panama Canal, and on to San Diego and Pearl Harbor. He participated in the invasion of Guadalcanal and several other Pacific islands as well as the invasion of Italy and southern France. He returned home and was discharged in October of 1945, ending his 4 years and 3 months of proud service to his country. He became an active member of the VFW after the end of his service. He married Maxine Schanbien in 1945 and they remained together until her passing in 2002. Their marriage produced two sons, four grandchildren, and three great-granddaughters. In March of 1949, he became employed by the L&N Railroad as ticket agent and later was promoted to a rate analyst. He retired in June of 1985 with 36 years of service. OJ had been a parishioner of both St. Ann and St. Clement of Rome churches for over 40 years. He served his community by volunteering at St. Joseph Catholic Church, providing food to the homeless through their Feed Jesus Program. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing at the family's summer home in Clermont Harbor, MS, gardening, watching the LSU Tigers and the New Orleans Saints, eating good food, and enjoying Turner Classic Movies. OJ was outgoing and lived his life to the fullest extent. In his later years, he enjoyed dancing at Jefferson Orleans and other family activities, with his special companion, Marian Leonhard. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Maxine Simoneaux; parents, Walter and Lillian H. Simoneaux; and sisters, Bernice S. Harrington and Doris S. Aldrich. OJ is survived by his sons, Philip J. Simoneaux (Becky) and David W. Simoneaux (Peggy); grandchildren, David W. Simoneaux, Jr., Nicole S. Masters (Noah), Julianne S. Henry (Nick), and Aimée M. Simoneaux; great-grandchildren, Emmy Henry (Julianne) and Milou and Magriete Masters (Nicole). He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please consider having a Mass said in his honor. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass in the chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans, on Friday, September 27, 2024 at 12 p.m. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with a rosary beginning at 11:30 a.m. After the Mass, OJ will be laid to rest beside his wife in Lake Lawn Park. To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit lakelawnmetairie.com.