Marvin Neil Simmons || Obituary

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Marvin Neil Simmons passed away suddenly on May 27, 2022, and is now with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Marvin was born on September 13 (Friday), 1935 and was 86 years old at the time of his passing. Marvin was the youngest of 8 children born to Hiram Chessier and Sudie Florence (Hunt) Simmons. Marvin passed away on his farm outside of Bagwell, TX in Red River County.

Visitation will be on Friday, June 3, 2022, at Fry & Gibbs Funeral Home in Paris from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Marvin’s funeral will be on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at First United Methodist Church in Paris, TX at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place at the English Cemetery at the Simmons Family Plot at 2:00 p.m.

Marvin was born and raised in the Annona area where he attended school, worked on his family’s cotton farm, and graduated from Annona High School in 1954. Marvin was active in both football and basketball where he lettered. Marvin spent two years at East Texas State Teacher’s College before leaving and joining the United States Air Force Reserves, where he served from 1957 to 1963. Marvin spent his entire professional career working in the Insurance industry as a Property and Casualty Underwriter. He retired in 1994 as the manager of the underwriting group for Transamerica Insurance Company. Marvin met and married Ann Elizabeth (Parks) Simmons from Clarksville, TX on April 4, 1959. They were married for 63 years. Marvin grew up in the Methodist Church.  He attended church at Annona Methodist, Christ United Methodist in Farmers Branch, and Casa Linda United Methodist Church in Dallas, TX where he raised his family. After his retirement, Marvin was a member at First United Methodist Church in Paris, TX where he was known as “Mr. Fix It”.

Marvin enjoyed many activities. He was active with his two sons in the Boy Scouts of America where he went backpacking at Philmont Scout Ranch and canoeing at the Charles L Sommers Canoe base in Ely, Minnesota. He was active as an Assistant Scout Master with Troop 744 in Dallas, TX working with both of his sons to reach the rank of Eagle Scout. Marvin was a 32^nd Degree Mason and past Master of the Masonic Lodge. Marvin was instrumental in the establishment of the Downtown Food Pantry, where he worked many hours organizing, greeting, setting up and receiving of donations of food items. He worked with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Red Cross Disaster Relief Program for Lamar County, and was a board member for the Red River Valley Veterans Memorial.

Marvin was preceded in death by his father H.C. Simmons, his mother Sudie Simmons. He was also preceded in death by his brothers James H. Simmons and wife Merle, Robert S. Simmons and wife Wanda, David V. Simmons and wife Lovejoy, and one sister Margaret S. Garrett and husband Benjamin, Sister-in-law Veta L. Simmons wife of John. He is survived by his wife, Ann E. Simmons; two sons, Gregory N. Simmons, wife Colleen C. Simmons, son Caleb N. Simmons and daughter Carol E. Simmons of Bechtelsville, PA; and son Robert W. Simmons of Paris, TX; brothers John W. Simmons of Greenville, TX, Eugene C. Simmons and wife Genevieve of Texarkana, TX, and Thomas N. Simmons and wife Betty of Richmond, VA; and many nieces and nephews who he loved and supported throughout his years.

Pallbearers are Michael D. Simmons (nephew), John W. Simmons Jr. (nephew), Scott D. Simmons (nephew), Thomas N. Simmons (nephew), Jerry D. Garrett (nephew), and Caleb N. Simmons (grandson). Honorary pallbearers are Larry N. Garrett (nephew), Carol E. Simmons (granddaughter).

In lieu of flowers, Marvin would be so privileged to have you make monetary donations to the Downtown Food Pantry, 124 Cherry St. Paris, TX  75460. Donations can also be made from their website at www.downtownfoodpantry.org.

Online condolences may be sent to the Simmons family by visiting www.fry-gibbs.com