Obituary of Frank Paul Simons

Frank Paul Simons left this world on May 13, 2023 to join his wife of fifty-six years in eternity. He spent his final days at home surrounded by family and friends while enjoying classic movies, Old Fashioneds, and the love of those closest to him. 

Frank was born on July 6, 1938 in Grand Rapids, Michigan and spent his childhood in Grand Rapids and Croton, MI.  After attending John Carroll University, he met Marlene Ann Simons and the two were married in October of 1966. The couple settled in Grand Rapids where they cherished and raised their son Christopher. An avid lover of his faith, community, and performing arts, Frank was a longtime supporter and patron of St. Jude’s Catholic Church as well as both the Grand Rapids Civic and Circle Theatres. 

Above all else, Frank valued spending time with those he loved. He hosted revered annual Kentucky Derby parties, enjoyed frequent trips to Beaver Island, and had decades full of nights out on the town. The home that Frank and Marlene shared for almost fifty years was always full of laughter, warmth, and generosity. No visitor could enter without being handed a cocktail, a book from Frank’s shelf, or a homemade treat for the road. Those who knew Frank will miss the endless room he had in his heart, his deep belly laugh, and his affinity for storytelling – even a brief encounter with him meant you would have a tale to pass along for the ages. 

Frank is survived by his son Chris, daughter-in-law Lisi, and his beloved grandchildren, Piper, Ivan, and Fiver. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Centrica Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan and for you to think of Frank when you watch ‘A Chorus Line’.