Gerald (Jerry) L. Simmons of Denton passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on February 7, 2026, at the age of 91.

Jerry graduated from Denton High School in 1952 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Texas in 1959. He proudly served in the United States Coast Guard during the Korean conflict, where he helped construct LORAN navigation stations across the South Pacific.

A lifelong entrepreneur, Jerry owned Jerry’s Marine and the Trading Post and was co-owner of the Denton Sports Center. His work reflected his strong work ethic, fairness, and deep ties to the Denton community.

Jerry was a founder of Pee Wee football in Denton and served as a coach in the league, mentoring generations of young athletes. He was a devoted member of the Masons, Scottish Rite, Moslah Temple of the Shriners, and Highland Baptist Church. He served on the Advisory Council for the Order of DeMolay, was president of the Denton County Shrine Club, and was a member of the Argyle Planning and Zoning Board.

Jerry epitomized the virtues of hard work and integrity, guided always by a generous spirit and a heart of gold.

He was preceded in death by his parents, J.D. and Ada Simmons, and his brother, J.D. Simmons Jr. He is survived by his wife, Glenda Ann (Brock) Simmons; his son, Kirk Simmons, and wife Cindy; his grandchildren, Brooke Davis and her husband Clint, and Brock Simmons and his wife Sarah; three great-grandchildren; and his brother, Tom Simmons, and wife Paula of Fort Worth.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, February 18, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held Thursday, February 19, at 10:00 a.m. at Mulkey-Bowles-Montgomery Funeral Home in Denton. Interment with Masonic rites will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Scottish Rite for Children, P.O. Box 122027, Dept. 2027, Dallas, TX 75312-2027, or online at scottishriteforchildren.org/donate.