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11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Lamar Simmons, 92, died at 3 p.m. on June 20, 2013. A rock 'n' roll radio pioneer, Simmons was CEO of the top 40-rated radio station WLCS-AM 910, which was the first rock 'n' roll radio station in Baton Rouge. WLCS was known in the radio industry for its adventurous community promotions and was also featured in a story in Life magazine for one of its promotions inviting Aliens from Outer Space to land at City Park Lake. Simmons and his partners owned four radio stations: WLCS-AM and WQXY-FM in Baton Rouge, KQXY-FM in Beaumont, TX, and WWUN-AM in Jackson, MS. During his radio career, Simmons attended Harvard University's Broadcast Management School in Boston, MA, and was awarded the Pete Golsby Award by the Baton Rouge Ad Club. He was a member of the Baton Rouge Rotary Club. After selling the radio stations, Simmons took up running and ran in dozens of area road races. He enjoyed fishing, traveling and playing golf. Simmons became a weekend farmer in 1968 when he purchased a farm north of Clinton. For several years he raised Charolais and mixed-breed cattle and kept a vegetable garden at the farm. Simmons grew up in north Baton Rouge and attended Istrouma Baptist Church until he went into the Marines at the beginning of World War II. He served in the Pacific and participated in many of the major offensives in the Pacific, including Bougainville, Guam and Iwo Jima. A graduate of Istrouma High School, he received his degree from LSU in Mass Communications from President George W. Bush in 2004. Simmons, oldest son of the late Lillie Belle and Shelton Simmons, is survived by his wife, Annie Walker Simmons; son, David Lamar Simmons Sr. and wife, Tommy, Waleska, GA; daughter, Carol Anne White; daughter, Janis Marie Swetman and husband, Dan; daughter-in-law, Tobey Miller Simmons, Mentone, AL; eight grandchildren, David Lamar Simmons Jr., Dallas, TX, Carl Simmons, Marietta, GA, Katie Swetman, New Orleans; Anna White Viger; Mollie White Euhus, Evanston, WY; Lisa Swetman, Washington, D.C.; Lauren White Keith, Fayetteville, NC; and Shelby Swetman, Tyler, TX; grandchildren, spouses and seven great-grandchildren. Simmons was also close to his wife Annie's son, Tony Walker and his wife Judy and their children, Drew and Meg; and granddaughters, Brandi Palmer and Gina Mills. Additional family members include Simmons' brothers, Gene Simmons and wife Gloria, and Jim Simmons and wife June. Simmons was preceded in death by his parents; first wife and mother of his children, Wessie Olivia Harvey Simmons; son, Steven Perry Simmons; son-in-law, Charles White; and brother Shelton Simmons. Visitation will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at 10 a.m. until funeral service at 11 a.m. and will be conducted by Pastor Herman Cowan. Interment in Resthaven Gardens of Memory. Visit www.resthavenbatonrouge.com to sign the online guestbook.
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Mr. Simmons saw something in me that I didn't see in myself! He gave me my FIRST job! After the interview, he said, "go home and practice your typing a little!"
He and Gene Nelson were a great leadership team and made work FUN!
Even though I left Baton Rouge in 1973, I have always stayed in touch through Carol Barnett - she kept me up to date on the entire family.
David and Tommy, our prayers are with you and the rest of your family.
May GOD bless you all.
Always
Launo and John Moore
Launo and John Moore
June 24, 2013
I was receptionist/secretary to Mr. Simmons and Mr. Nelson at WLCS/WQXY when WLCS was the "it" station. I worked for Mr. Simmons for many, many years, and he taught me so much. He was a great boss, and I grew to love him and his family. My condolences go to all the family. I know he will be greatly missed.
Sincerely, Carol Barnett
Carol Barnett
June 23, 2013
Lamar's funeral yesterday provided a glimpse of the fine family of this patriarch. I also want to acknowledge the prayers and sympathy from Vera Simmons in Nederland, Texas, widow of Lamar's brother Shelton Simmons. Love to all the family,
Tommy Simmons
June 23, 2013
Lamar was a great dancer and friend! He and I frequently were the only males on the dance floor at WLCS parties. Super cool guy!
Dr. Dr. Thayer
fka Chuck Kirr "The Chucker"
Dr Dr Thayer
June 23, 2013
So sorry Ms Annie I always enjoyed talking an joking with Mr Lamar.Yrinmy thoughts an prayers.GERALDINE from the coumadin clinic.
Geraldine Murphey
June 22, 2013
I wish I could have come over and been with you all to pay my respects to Dad. I remember growing up and thinking it was so cool that my best friend's dad owned the rock and roll radio station we always listened to! He was such a great Dad even to those of us were not his 'real' kids. Such awarm ,loving man with a beautiful smile. I will miss him.
Jil Launay
June 22, 2013
Janie and I send our warmest prayers to the entire Simmons family. So many fond memories of a childhood where patriarchs such as Mr. Simmons guided our rather misdirected (at times) shenanigans to a brighter path. Such a wonderful man who raised such a beautiful family. RIP Mr. Simmons.
Bill Spann
June 22, 2013
We will always appreciate Lamar as a great friend and neighbor. Sorry we can not be with you today as we learned of Lamar's death on line while in North Carolina with grandchildren.
Bridger and Merrill Faye Eglin
June 22, 2013
May the Father of peace send peace to all who mourn, and comfort all the bereaved among us.
Scotty Drake
June 22, 2013
Mr. Simmons was my first boss in radio. he hired me when the station was still the small buidling near where One American Place was built. He was a great broadcaster, innovative and a good teacher. My condolences to the family. He was a well respected man.
Jean Hunerjager Kelly
June 21, 2013
Hi Annie, it is Paul and James. We are very sadden to hear about the passing of Lamar. We are just glad we got to see him last week when we cut your grass. We are going to try to come to the visitation and the service. If there is anything we can do just call us .
James Bourg
June 21, 2013
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Resthaven Gardens of Memory & Funeral Home - Baton Rouge11817 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70816
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