The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

William James “Bill” Simar, 88, of Orange, Texas passed away peacefully on September 14, 2022 at Christus Dubuis Hospital in Beaumont, Texas.

All services will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Orange on Monday, September 19, 2022.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. and rosary at 12:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. with Father Sinclair Oubré officiating. Entombment will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Orange.

Born in Orange, Texas on August 15, 1934, he was the son of Sylvester Columbus and Ophelia Agatha (Gallien) Simar.

Bill loved his wife of 60 years Rose Zeto and his two children Laura and Mark.

Bill worked for the Texas Highway Department as a surveyor after graduating from St. Mary High School in 1952 and within a short time, joined the Army. After his service with the Army, Bill went to work at Firestone Petrochemical in Orange as an operator where he worked for 30 years. Bill loved his sports and coached Little League being the coach for his son. Under his coaching, their team won the championship which enabled him to coach the Little League All Star Team. One of Bill’s passions was bowling and “pot games.” He came home with money almost every time he participated. Another passion of both Bill and Rose was flying off to Las Vegas where most times Bill won more than he went with.

Bill took pride in his yard, also. He loved riding his mower and gardening in his flower beds.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Ray Simar and Roy Simar, and sister, Peggy Rashall.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Rose and his two children Laura Dougharty and husband Joe of Orange and Mark Simar and wife Shondia of Orange. He is also survived by his sister Sylvia Mires of League City, grandson Jason Duncan and wife Dr. Jessica of Covington LA, and granddaughters Elisa Moye and husband Jeff of Bridge City and Lindsey Floyd and husband Colby of New Braunfels, great grandchildren Indiana Duncan, Finnian Duncan, Kenley Moye, Wylder Floyd and one to be born next month, Beau Floyd.

He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend a special thanks to caregiver, Marian “Goldie” Thibodeaux, who has been with Bill throughout his illness and for her unending love and care. She has become a dear friend. Another caregiver to recognize is Milton “Malcolm” Powdrill who spent many hours also taking care of Bill.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jason Duncan, Mike Zeto, Nick Zeto, John Davis, Randy Usie, Richard Rashall, Martin Rashall and Joe Mires. Honorary pallbearer will be Frank Zeto.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.