Conrad "Coonie" Simon

Conrad "Coonie" Simon

August 28, 1919 - January 31, 2016

Visalia

Life began August 28, 1919 when Conrad was born to Anna and John Jacob Simon Sr. and ended 96 years later on January 31, 2016. One of eleven siblings and the oldest son brought a lifetime filled with happy memories of being born on a small ranch and also working at a young age with his Dad to help provided for the family. Though he didn't graduate from Visalia Union High School, he was always included in class of 1937 reunions.

Coonie's military career in the Army serving in WWII was spent in Norwich England. Upon discharge Coonie was awarded good conduct medal, Eame Ribbon with one silver and one bronze star, meritorious service plaque, four overseas bars, one service stripe, and a lapel button. He returned to Visalia and carried on the family business Simon Brothers Trucking with his five brothers. After retiring from Simon Bros., Coonie worked as an Independent Contractor for the City of Visalia as a Road and Storm Drain Inspector overseeing major road projects.

He met his loving wife Eleanor Lombardi at the Bijou Theater popcorn stand. Married in October 1947, Coonie and Eleanor were married 67 years at time of Eleanor's passing. They had two daughters, Janis Andrews and Nancy Vierra, four grandchildren, Hillary Thomas, Cydney Padgett, Adrienne Lamb and Evan Omartian and four great-grandchildren.

Coonie was a longtime member of Visalia Elks and Moose Clubs and Sons of Italy. He and Eleanor enjoyed dinners and dancing at all of these clubs, including cooking spaghetti and serving at the Son of Italy Annual Spaghetti/Meatball dinners.

Coonie loved to golf with friends, sons-in-law and his grandson. He was known to friends on the course as "snake eyes" for his expertise in putting and enjoyed time at the 19th hole.

Proceded in death by his wife Eleanor, parents, Anna and John Jacob "JJ" Simon, sisters, Anna, Louise, Margaret and Frieda; brothers, Jack Carl and Robert; surviving are his daughters, grand and great-grandchildren, brothers, George Simon\ (Delores), Richard Simon (Faye) and sisters-in-law Betty, Donna and Helen Simon; sons-in-law Mitchell Andrews and Richard Vierra.

Memorial service 1 p.m. Saturday, February 6, 2016 at Grace Lutheran Church, Visalia. Condolences can be made to www.salseranddillard.com