Simmons Family Tree

Lou was born on June 12, 1924, in Richmond California. He grew up in Alameda with his sisters Eva and Lola and brother Charles on Weber Street and attended Mastick, Longfellow, Washington, and Alameda High schools. His favorite memory was going to Neptune Beach and Neptune Theater as a teen ager. He and his friends would often get together for parties where he would play the drums and another would play the accordion.

During World War II Lou served as a Private First Class in the 12th Armored Division and served in campaigns in Southern Franc and Rhineland where he received two Bronze Battle Stars.

Upon returning to Alameda, he began working at the Alameda Naval Air Station where he retired after 35 years.

Lou loved music and loved to dance. He would regularly attend dance halls like the Sweets Ballroom, the Rose Room, and the Ali Baba where he met Lorraine. They were married in June of 1946 in St. Joseph's Church in Oakland. Together they raised two sons, Dave and Steve, and a daughter, Christine. Their family eventually grew to include three grandsons; Brian, Dan, and Kyle; three granddaughters; Sara, Korene, and Hannah and two great grand children; Abigail and Aiden.

Lou enjoyed getting together with his family for Italian dinners prepared by Lorraine and the poker game that followed. Music was also always a part of these events.

Lou played drums for The Noveliers for many years and performed all over the Bay Area for weddings and parties. He joined the Alameda Elks Lodge in 1970 and was an active member for 35 years. In 1991 he received the high honor "Elk Of The Year" of which he was very proud.

The last three years Lou resided at the Alameda Care Center where he happily made new friends and often played drums with visiting performers.