Leon Cecil Simar, Sr., born in Orange, Texas on September 4, 1931, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at the age of 94. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Baton Rouge.

Leon grew up in Iota, Louisiana. Upon graduating from high school, he joined the U.S. Army and served in Panama during the Korean War. Following his military service, he attended Southwestern Louisiana Institute (now UL Lafayette) earning a bachelor’s degree in soil science. He continued his studies in education, earning a certification in upper secondary education and a master’s degree in administration and supervision from LSU in 1974. For many years following, he continued post graduate level studies. He taught American history, Louisiana history, geography, and civics at the junior high school level in Opelousas, Louisiana until his retirement. He also worked as an electrician during the summer months when school was not in session. Leon truly enjoyed teaching, and in his free time he enjoyed making furniture, fishing, and watching old western movies.

Leon is survived by his daughters, Emelise S. Cormier (Glen), Rita S. Becnel (Gerard), and Roselle S. Foote (Marcus); son, Leon C. Simar, Jr. (Christine); grandchildren, Kevin Cormier, Jacob Cormier, Corinne Duplan, Sister Mary Martha Becnel, Anson Becnel, Kurt Becnel, Kyle Becnel, Shelby Simar, Benjamin Simar, Viviana Foote, and Georgia Foote; great-grandchildren, Sophie Cormier, Abigail Cormier, Grace Cormier, Adeline Duplan, and Karlyn Becnel.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 54 years, Rose Benoit Simar; sisters, Leatrice Gautreaux and Gertrude Breaux, and five half siblings; grandchildren, Samuel and Isabella Foote; great-grandchildren, Levi Cormier and Isaac Cormier.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Leon’s life on Friday, July 3, 2026, at St. George Catholic Church in Baton Rouge. All will be welcomed at 9:00 AM until Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM. A private burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tunnel to Towers or the Gary Sinise Foundation.

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