Frank P. Simoneaux

Frank Paul Simoneaux, a legislative and civic leader whose scholarly and courteous demeanor earned him widespread respect, passed away peacefully at his home in Baton Rouge on May 8, 2024, at the age of 90. 

He was married to the love of his life, Marie Lancaster Simoneaux, for almost 63 years. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Ann Simoneaux; his daughter Mignonne Simoneaux; his brothers Norman Simoneaux, Ray Simoneaux, Henry Simoneaux, Earl Simoneaux Chester Simoneaux; and his sister, Ella Monteverde. 

He is survived by his sister, Rose Comeaux; and brother Charles Simoneaux. He is also survived by his beloved wife, his children, F. Paul Simoneaux (Marie), Michelle Quinn (Michael), Rainier Simoneaux, and Denis Simoneaux (Keisha). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Elizabeth Ollre (Todd), Emily Dunlap, Camille Dunlap, and Isabelle Simoneaux. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren Blair Ollre, Maren Ollre, and Lydia Ollre. 

Born in Brusly St. Vincent, Louisiana, he attended Nichols Junior College before entering LSU in 1954. After serving in the Army for two years, he returned and graduated from LSU Law School in 1961. After law school, he returned to active duty, was promoted to captain, and transferred to the Judge Advocate General Corps. He completed thirty years of Reserve and National Guard service, retiring with the rank of colonel and as state judge advocate. He began his law career in Lake Charles before joining Breazeale, Sachse, and Wilson in 1963, and his political career in 1972 when he was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives for the first of three terms. He was a founding member of the Young Turks, a group of newly elected legislators who brought much needed reforms to the Louisiana Legislature and was unanimously elected House Speaker pro tem in 1980. While serving in the legislature he was often lauded by colleagues and the press. He sponsored and passed bills that modernized marriage equality, lobbying reform, oil and mineral rights reform, and the removal of all unconstitutional Jim Crow era state laws among others. The political magazine of the time, Gris Gris, selected him as Best Legislator four years in a row in their annual review for working with both sides of the aisle and for his integrity. One quote reads “If there’s any consensus in the House at all, it seems to be that Simoneaux ranks head and shoulders above everyone else.” He was appointed Secretary of Natural Resources by Governor David Treen in 1982. Later, in 2008, he was elected by the House to the Louisiana Board of Ethics where he was selected chair by its members. He was a founding member of Bocage Racquet Club where he continued to play tennis well into his eighties. He founded Greater Baton Rouge Hope Academy serving children with a wide array of disabilities. He is a member of Cadets of the Old War Skule and was inducted into the LSU Law School Hall of Fame and the LSU Hall of Distinction. Mostly, he adored his wife Marcy and family. 

As he was deeply committed to his Catholic faith, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, May 13, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Saint Joseph Cathedral, 401 Main Street, Baton Rouge. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM at the Cathedral. Interment will take place at Resthaven Gardens following the Mass. A reception will be held after at Bocage Racquet Club.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Gaitway Therapeutic Horsemanship, 1300 Lawrence Pkwy, Saint Gabriel, Louisiana 70776. 

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.