Edward James Simmons

Edward James Simmons passed away in Hillsboro on April 17, 2025, of natural causes. He was 95 years old.

Ed was born August 15, 1929, in Illinois, to Arthur and Helen Simmons. He grew up in Bloomington as one of 14 siblings. After high school, he served as a Sergeant in the US Army during the Korean War. He also served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the West Central States. After his mission, he attended Brigham Young University to study history and political science. Ed was a member of Delta Phi. While there, he met his wife of 61 years, Anita Cardon. They were married in the Salt Lake City temple in 1958.

After college, Ed and Anita moved to southern California, eventually settling in Cypress. They had 9 children. Ed became an educator and taught middle school math, as well as other subjects, for La Mirada School District. Ed moved to Hillsboro in 1991 after he retired from teaching. He was a devoted husband, father and church member. He enjoyed many hobbies like gardening, canning, keeping bees and chickens as well as family history research. He and Anita found joy working together on many home and church projects. They also loved to dance to big band music. Ed enjoyed watching BYU sports games with his sons. He volunteered in many organizations of the Hillsboro Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as bishop at one time. Edward and Anita also served four missions together for their church, including to New York, Missouri and Utah.

Ed will be remembered for his sense of humor, generosity, abundant candy dishes, love of ice cream and a good deal, enthusiasm for missionary service and his continuous work on the family "farm". But mostly he will be remembered with love and gratitude for his dedicated and faithful service to his church and to his family.

Edward was preceded in death by his wife Anita, daughter Michele and granddaughter Jennifer. He is survived by children Jacque, Andre, Jon Pierre, Erick, Antoine, Celeste, Stefan and Yvette; 25 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren.

Services will be held on Monday, April 28, at 10:00 am, at the Golden Road chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5580 Southeast Golden Road, in Hillsboro. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 9:00 to 9:45. A private burial will follow at Willamette National Cemetery.

To join the funeral service remotely, please follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/live/FM3vpWgmr-w?si=P_qi40qSlCQ2J09H

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