Obituary

Mark Reginald "Reggie" Simmons

August 3, 1944 - November 23, 2023

Mark Reginald "Reggie" Simmons, age 79 and a resident of Franklinton, passed away Thursday morning November 23, 2023 at his home. He was a 1962 graduate of Franklinton High School before obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree from Southeastern Louisiana University. Reggie then completed his Juris Doctorate from Louisiana State University Law School. He was a practicing attorney in Franklinton for 40 years and had even served as president of the Washington Parish Bar Association for a time. He also taught criminal justice classes at Southeastern for a few years. Reggie was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Franklinton, where he served as a deacon, sang in the church choir and taught the Gleaners Sunday school class for many years. He served his community and country in the Louisiana Army-National Guard for many years and later retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the United States Army-Reserve. During his service in the USAR, Reggie taught military strategy and history courses at Fort Leavenworth and other military bases around the country.

Reggie was a true “history buff” and was well versed in Civil War and military history as well the history of Washington Parish and nearby areas. He participated in many Civil War battle reenactments in Virginia and other states around the South. Later on, he visited many Civil War battlefields metal detecting. Reggie discovered countless artifacts and had a huge collection of Civil War rifles, flags, paintings, swords and other memorabilia. He always had a love of cars, especially anything Chrysler or MOPAR. Reggie owned numerous beautiful antique cars and unique sports cars through the years. Upon retiring, he even raced on the road course and taught driving instruction at NOLA Raceway Park near New Orleans for several years. Reggie was an animal lover and helped the Washington Parish Animal Shelter and Humane Society for many years. He had a special place in his heart for his pet cats. Reggie longed for the day he could enter Heaven and said many times “Don’t cry for me as I will be reunited in heaven with Adrianna”

Survived by: Wife of 57 years: Judy Stafford Simmons; 3 Daughters and Sons in law: Kristi and Rob Crain, Stephanie and Steven Liffmann, Betsy Simmons and Pete Thomas; 6 Grandchildren: Wesley Crain, Andrew Crain, Jacob Crain, Olivia-Kate Liffmann, Mac Cavanagh, Sawyer Simmons; Sister in law: Mary Simmons; Brothers in law and Sisters in law: Gary “Sonny” and Libby Stafford, Joe and Carlene Stafford, Jill and Ted Bulloch, Robert and Jana Stafford, Nancy and Leonard Duvic, Kim and Marlon Milton; Also numerous nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Adrianna Kate Cavanagh, parents Othar Simmons and Maude Breland Simmons, a brother Rev. Errol Simmons, father in law and mother in law Gary and Josie Stafford and other family members.

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home on Sunday November 26th from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm. A graveside funeral service for his family will be held in Ellis Cemetery following the public visitation time.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial donations to First Baptist Church of Franklinton. (950 Self Street, Franklinton, LA 70438)

Pallbearers are grandsons Wesley, Andrew, Jacob, Mac, and Sawyer

Honorary Pallbearers are Rob Crain, Steven Liffmann, and Pete Thomas