Rev. Dr. John P Simon

The Rev. Dr. John P. Simon was released from the shackles of dementia Friday evening, December 2, 2022, in Lakeland. He was 95 years old.

Born October 23, 1927, in Peterboro, NY, to Rev. Leslie E. and Caroline Simon, he grew up in Methodist parsonages in upstate New York. He completed his B.A. at DePauw University in Greencastle, IN, and his Master of Divinity at Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL. He was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from Florida Southern College in 1988.

While at Garrett, in 1950 he met and married the love of his life, Carolyn, who survives him. He is also survived by a son, Larry Simon of Lakeland, Carol Lynne Kane {Mike) of Melbourne, and Jennifer Simon (Keith Clanton) of Lakeland, grandchildren Daniel Kane, Kevin Kane, and Robin Kane Morris, and four great-grandchildren, as well as his sister, Margaretha Beach of Falcon Heights, MN.

John served as a Methodist minister for 11 years in the East Wisconsin Conference and 35 years in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church, retiring as Superintendent of the West Palm Beach District. He previously served at Ft. Myers D.S. and local pastorates in Vero Beach, Miami, Jacksonville, Lakeland, Deland, Juno Beach/Jupiter, and Tampa. During his ministry, he organized two new Methodist churches. He served on and chaired several conference boards and committees, as well as on the Boards of Trustees of both Florida Southern College and the United Methodist Children’s Home, and as a delegate to both General and Jurisdictional Conferences of the UMC. John was widely considered one of the best preachers and greatest Intellects of the Florida Conference.

He enjoyed golf, music, FSC basketball, and breakfast with his fellow retired clergy. In retirement, he and Mom loved spending summers at their "cabin" in the mountains of North Carolina, traveling extensively, and spending time with four generations of family. Dad's unfailing love, kindness, and generosity never faltered, something his caregivers in his later years commented on often.

The family invites all to a Celebration of Life at College Heights United Methodist Church, 942 South Blvd. in Lakeland, Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 3:00, followed by a reception in the fellowship hall. Given the service's celebratory nature and the year's season, the family would consider seasonal garb appropriate.

In lieu of flowers, donations, honoring John Simon, would be appreciated to the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home in Enterprise, FL, or College Heights United Methodist Church.