Rockport - Frank Lloyd Simmons passed away on August 13, 2025. He was 76
Born September 25, 1948, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Everett Hugh and Maretta Simmons, Frank was the oldest of three, growing up alongside his younger sisters Linda Marlene and Rita Renee. Raised in Burkburnett before the family moved to North Richland Hills, he graduated from Richland High School in 1967, where he proudly served as Drum Major of the Richland Rebels Marching Band and, to his grandchildren’s endless delight, was voted Dixie Belle Beau his senior year.

Frank proudly served 32 years in the United States Navy, rising from enlisted sailor to Lieutenant Commander. Over the course of his career, he served aboard the USS CLEVELAND, USS LEWIS B. PULLER, USS PRINCETON, USS ENGLAND, USS O’BRIEN, and USS OLDENDORF, playing a vital role during Operation Desert Shield. Ashore, he served in key leadership positions, including Chief Staff Officer for Afloat Training Group Ingleside, Texas. His decorated career earned him many honors, including the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Star, the Kuwaiti Liberation Medal, and more.

In January 1969, while stationed in Illinois, 20-year-old Frank met 19-year-old Marcella Joyce Hale at a friend’s house party in St. Louis, Missouri. The two eloped to Glenville, Illinois, on April 5, 1969, beginning a love story that spanned 56 years. Together they raised three children—Hugh Patrick, Heather Marcella, and Hope Marie—instilling in them his deep love for Jesus, his country, and his family.

In the midst of his naval career, Frank pursued a calling to ministry, earning a degree in biblical studies with a minor in business from Missouri Baptist College in 1979 and pastoring Antioch Baptist Church for nearly two years before returning to active duty. After retiring from the Navy in 1999, he embarked on two more careers—first at Northrop Grumman, then at Talecris Plasma in Corpus Christi—before finally hanging up his hat for good.

Frank’s love for life extended into his community. He volunteered as Beverage Chairman for Rockport Seafair, as a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) volunteer alongside his wife, supported South Texas Children’s Home Ministries, and faithfully served in his churches—first at First Baptist Rockport as a Sunday school teacher, and later at Oak Ridge Baptist Church in Portland as a member of the worship team. He was quick to laugh, quick to joke, and quick to welcome all with warmth and joy. To know him was to be welcomed into an adventure, and he believed that passing from this life was the doorway to his greatest adventure—meeting Jesus face to face.

Above all, Frank’s greatest legacy was his faith in Christ. A steadfast seed-planter, he joyfully shared the Gospel with all he met, and many who love him today are joint heirs with Jesus because of his testimony. Though known by many as Frank or Lloyd, the names he cherished most were husband, Dad, son, brother, Uncle Frank, and Pawpaw.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Maretta Simmons; and his beloved grandchildren, Ryan Raoul and Baija Hope Marie.  He is survived by his beautiful bride of 56 years, Marcella “Marcie/Maggie” Joyce Simmons; his children, Hugh (Crystal) Simmons, Heather Gonzales, and Hope (Chris) Dupnik; grandchildren, Skylar Gonzales, Conrad (Dustyn) Simmons, Amanda Simmons, Cody Simmons, Adam Armstrong, Carson Simmons, Kendal Simmons, Jackson Dupnik, Grace Dupnik, Colton Simmons, Delilah Dupnik, and Annie Dupnik; great-grandchildren, Dawson Lloyd and Addison Marie; sisters, Linda Marlene (Rodney) Nesbit and Rita Renee (Dwight) Dykman; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family who dearly loved him.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, August 29, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Oak Ridge Baptist Church in Portland, Texas, followed by a graveside service at the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery in Corpus Christi. The family encourages anyone who wishes to attend his celebration of life to “come as they are” and wear his favorite colors—red, white, or blue.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Oak Ridge Baptist Church Worship Ministry in Frank’s memory. In addition, the family encourages all to honor him with a simple act of kindness and a smile, as serving the Lord through loving others was one of Frank’s greatest joys.

Guestbook available online at www.resthavenfunerals.com

Arrangements and care entrusted to Resthaven Funeral Home, Aransas Pass.