SIMMONS, Fred J. *

West Valley View, Avondale, Arizona, Friday, January 04, 2013 Fred J. Simmons, 100, of Litchfield Park, died Dec. 27, 2012, in Litchfield Park. Mr. Simmons was born near Simmons, Mo., in October 1912 to John and Mollie Simmons and moved to Whittier, Calif., where he lived for 87 years. He graduated from Whittier High School and attended Stanford University before graduating from Whittier College. He married Margaret Chenoweth in 1936. He worked as a petroleum engineer with the Union Oil Co. before retiring as an offshore drilling manager. In 2003 he moved to the La Loma Village retirement community in Litchfield Park. Mr. Simmons was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Margaret. He is survived by one daughter, Susy Simonsgaard of Goodyear; one son, Jon Simmons of Everett, Wash.; six grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held Jan. 3 at La Loma in Litchfield Park. There will be a graveside service at Rose Hills Cemetery in Whittier, Calif., on Jan. 7. Condolences can be left for the family at www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com.