24/05/2026
Joseph Simeon
27 march 1939 - 15 may 2026
Aged 87 years
Joseph Simeon, known to all simply as Joe, passed away peacefully on 15 May 2026 at the age of 87. Born on 27 March 1939, Joe lived a life defined by hard work, resilience, family, and the simple pleasures that brought him happiness throughout the years.
Joe’s early years were spent in the areas of Burrow and Furnace before the family later settled within the Dundyvan and Townhead communities of Coatbridge. These close communities helped shape the man Joe would become, grounded, dependable, and always happiest among family, friends, and familiar faces. He was predeceased by his sisters Nancy, Isabella, who sadly passed away in infancy, Catherine, and Rosina, and is survived by his sister Helen, with whom he shared a lifelong bond and many treasured memories of their younger years together.
He attended Gartsherrie Primary before later moving on to Coatbridge High School, where he did well in all aspects of school life that were of most interest to him. Even from a young age, Joe possessed a practical mind and an independent streak, qualities that would stay with him throughout his life.
Joe dedicated much of his working life to driving, a profession that perfectly suited both his hardworking nature and his love of engines and machinery. He initially worked as a JCB driver before later becoming well known within the local taxi trade, driving for Fountain Taxis and eventually owning and operating Tartan Taxis himself. Joe took pride in his work and in building something of his own, becoming a familiar face to many over the years.
Joe met and fell in love with Margaret Middleton, and the couple later married and started a family together. Although they eventually separated, family always remained at the very heart of Joe’s life. He was a proud and devoted father to Danella, Lavina, Stephen, Andrea, and Joseph, who sadly passed away in infancy, a loss Joe carried in his heart throughout his life. In later years, Joe found love and companionship with Ann McHendry, and together they built a life centred around family and togetherness. Through this relationship, Joe became a caring and supportive stepfather to Stephen, Gary, and Lynn, warmly embracing them as part of the family.
As the years passed and the family circle continued to grow, Joe also welcomed Jake, John, Ellen, and Joe into the family with the same warmth and acceptance that defined his character. In more recent years, some of Joe’s happiest moments were spent in the role of grandad to Arlene, Stephen, Jordan, Darren, Nicole, Danielle, Taylor, Chloe, and Demi, while his 15 great grandchildren brought him immense pride and joy.
Outside of family life, Joe had many passions and interests that reflected his hands on nature and appreciation for life’s quieter pleasures. He had a lifelong love of cars and motorbikes and could often be found fixing them up, always happiest when working with his hands and bringing something back to life. He enjoyed sitting with his pipe, finding peace in those quiet moments, and loved spending time fishing, another pastime that allowed him to slow down and enjoy the world around him.
Joe will be remembered as a hardworking man with a strong spirit, someone who valued family above all else and who found happiness not in grand gestures, but in the ordinary moments shared with the people he loved. His presence, stories, humour, and wisdom will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life Service for Joe will take place on Thursday 28 May 2026 at Coats Funeral Home at 11:00 am, thereafter a committal ceremony will be held at Old Monkland Cemetery.
The family warmly invite all who knew and loved Joe to return with them thereafter to the Bank Social Club for a further opportunity to remember and celebrate his life.