Rev. Franklin Demsey Simmons

Rev. Franklin Demsey Simmons, 86, of Lake Charles, passed away Wednesday, October 7, 2026.

Born September 4, 1940, in Dry Branch, Georgia, to George and Alice Day Simmons, Franklin was the sixth of eleven children. He attended elementary school in Centerville, Georgia, and high school in Unadilla, Georgia, where he played basketball and ran track.

In 1958, Franklin enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Chennault Air Force Base in Lake Charles. It was during this time that a chance visit to LeBlanc's Café in downtown Lake Charles would change the course of his life. There, he met a waitress at the café who was the mother of a young woman named Judy. Through her, Franklin was introduced to Judy, and a lifelong love story began. They met in February, married that August, and shared 64 years of marriage.

Franklin proudly served his country in both the United States Air Force and the United States Army, including service during the Vietnam War. Following his military career, he worked for the United States Postal Service, from which he eventually retired.

Faith and service were central to Franklin's life from an early age. He became a church deacon at just 21 years old and entered the ministry in 1977. A licensed minister with the United Pentecostal Church for 49 years, he devoted much of his life to serving others and sharing his faith. Over the years, he pastored churches in Warner Robins and Valdosta, Georgia, Olympia, Washington and Kelowna, British Columbia. He also served as a Presbyter for ten years and a Sunday School Director for six years.

Franklin and Judy spent five years traveling as evangelists, ministering throughout the United States and British Columbia. Wherever their work took them, Franklin found ways to serve, whether through preaching, teaching, working with young people, or lending a hand wherever one was needed. His involvement in church life included serving as a Sunday School Secretary and leading summer youth camps and recreation programs. He also founded Children and Parents Teaching A Right Attitude (CAPT TARA), a ministry he led for approximately six years.

Franklin was as comfortable working with his hands as he was behind a pulpit. An accomplished carpenter and craftsman, he built and remodeled many churches and homes throughout his life. He enjoyed gardening and took satisfaction in putting his many skills to good use. For Franklin, helping others was simply a natural part of who he was.

Among Franklin and Judy's favorite pastimes were their "Grand" tours, as they affectionately called their travels to visit children and grandchildren. These trips took them across Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, and even to England. Wherever their family happened to be, they enjoyed the opportunity to spend time together and make new memories.

Franklin's life was shaped by his devotion to God, his love for his family, and his willingness to serve. Whether caring for a congregation, building something with his own hands, or spending time with those he loved, he gave generously of his time and abilities.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Judith Young "Judy" Simmons; his children, Angie Dillon (Mark), Tony Simmons (Sandee), Paul Simmons (Lisa), Greg Simmons (Destini), and Pam Denney (Kirt); his brothers, John Simmons, Bobby Simmons, Cecil Simmons, and Timmy Simmons; twelve grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, George Simmons, Billy Simmons, Larry Simmons, and Lonnie Simmons; his sisters, Ann Cheatham, and Mary Peterman; and his grandson, Kendall Denney.

The Simmons family would like to express their gratitude and sincere appreciation for the loving support and care provided by the Apostolic Temple family, the Hospice Care team, the Grand Cove Care Center team, and the many wonderful friends and neighbors.

Rev. Simmons’ funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at The Apostolic Temple Pentecostal Church, 2711 West Prien Lake Road, with Pastor Rick Treece presiding. Burial will follow in the Southwest Louisiana War Veterans Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. Visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday from 8:30 AM until the start of the service.