THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2024 77 Mr. Simmons and his wife of 60 years, Eleanor, traveled to more than 100 countries together. While serving as an active-duty naval officer, Mr. Simmons swore his son, also named Don, into the U.S. Navy. Later, while serving as an active-duty Foreign Service officer, he swore his son Dennis into the U.S. Foreign Service. Mr. Simmons lived life to the fullest and never hesitated to make a friend, whether bringing a stranger home for a long-term stay in the Congo or sharing about his service on the USS Midway. He loved being active—he skied the Swiss Alps in the 1990s and the mountains of New Hampshire just last year. He loved telling stories about his diplomatic service, including the time that If you would like us to include an obituary in In Memory, please send text to journal@afsa.org. Be sure to include the date, place, and cause of death, as well as details of the individual’s Foreign Service career. Please place the name of the AFSA member to be memorialized in the subject line of your email. he went rollerblading under Saddam Hussein’s sabers while serving in Iraq. His “dessert stomach” was never full, and there was no such thing as too large a serving of ice cream. He was a proud, active, and supportive grandfather to Danielle, Joshua, Kayla, and Zachary. He loved his dogs, Cloudy, Alfie, Blacky, and his current companion, General Sherman. Mr. Simmons was predeceased by his father, Donald B. Simmons Sr.; mother Helen Dearstine; brother David Simmons; and twin sister Donna Proper. Mr. Simmons is survived by his beloved wife, Eleanor Mae (Resue) Simmons; sons Donald B. Simmons III (and spouse Josie) and Dennis A. Simmons (and spouse Monica); grandchildren Danielle Simmons (and spouse Camden Cressley), Joshua Simmons, Kayla Simmons Castellanos, and Zachary Simmons Castellanos. A private family service was held at Saratoga National Cemetery in New York on Nov. 13, 2023. n
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