Elton William “Bill” Simmons, 79, of Sulphur, La. passed away on Dec. 25, 2021 at CHRISTUS Ochsner St. Patrick Hospital in Lake Charles, La. surrounded by loving family.

Bill was born in Church Point, La. on April 24, 1942 to Elton C. Simmons and Lois Brandt Simmons. The family later moved to Lake Charles, La., where Bill graduated from Lagrange High School and attended McNeese State University. He attended Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church for over 30 years.

TSgt Simmons proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 21 years, during which time he served numerous tours of duty. He was a NCO PME graduate, a Small Arms Expert, and was awarded USAF Commendation Medal and National Defense Service Medal. Bill retired in 1983 with the rank of TSgt USAF, Ret. 

Bill continued his public service by going to work for the Louisiana Department of Public Safety as a Motor Vehicle Specialist, from where he also retired. Continuing to remain active in retirement he was a Housing Inspector for Calcasieu Parish HUD. Other interests led Bill to belong to the Contraband Car Club of which he served as a past President, and was a past member of the Krewe of Cosmos and Krewe du Masque. He also served on the executive board of the Sulphur American Legion Post 179. 

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 31 years, Myrna Bernard Simmons of Sulphur; his sister, Doretta Taylor of Nacogdoches, Texas; his step-children, Monica (Keith) Guidry, Kristy (Ernest)  Ramirez, Billy (Ellendale) Gabbert all of Sulphur, La.; and numerous step-grand and great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother-in-law, Wesley Taylor.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021 at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church with the Rev. Michael Beverung officiating. Interment will follow in Mimosa Pines South Cemetery in Carlyss under the direction of Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. with a Rosary service at 12:30 p.m. in Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bill’s memory to Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church, 1109 Cypress St., Sulphur, LA 70663.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hixsonsulphurmemorial.com for the Simmons family.