Don Simms' Obituary
Donald Simms, 79, of Numa, passed away unexpectedly on February 17, 2019 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines after a fall in his home. Don was born on September 26, 1939 in Staples, Minnesota to Burton and Alice (Moberly) Simms. After leaving Mystic High School, Don entered the United States Army, serving primarily in Alaska and Greenland. Upon honorable discharge in 1959, Don married his high school sweetheart, Darlene Stickler on November 12, 1960 at the Mystic Christian Church; where his father presided over the ceremony. In his younger years, Don began working as a machinist, and became certified as a Journeyman Tool and Die Maker while a supervisor at Young Radiator. In January, 1988, Don rejoined the Iowa Steel and Wire family, and was part of the team that re-opened the plant in Centerville. Don celebrated his 30 year anniversary with the company last April, and loved to tell stories of his time there. Don enjoyed woodworking, bluegrass and gospel music, riding motorcycles, travel, camping, and spending time with his family and friends. He was very active in church activities, most recently as a member of the Cincinnati Christian Church. Don was a member of the Numa Christian Church until it's closure, and devoted a great deal of time there to youth activities in particular. He and Darlene also belonged to the Gideons. Don had a unique sense of humor and was the ultimate handyman. Don believed in doing the right thing, whatever the situation, because it's just what you do. His strength of mind and character were admired by many. Don is survived by his wife, Darlene; daughter, Lisa Simms Schmid (Tony); sisters: Alice (Bob) George, Doris (Ed) Laughery and Ramona (John) Zahn as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Burton (Joyce) Simms and sister, Laura Simms. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 22, 2019 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville. Interment and military honors will immediately follow at Highland Cemetery in Mystic. Visitation will take place from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, February 21, 2019 at Thomas Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to First Christian Church in Cincinnati or to the family, and online condolences may be shared at www.thomasfh.com or facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Don Simms please visit our Sympathy Store. Cemetery Details Highland Cemetery Green St.
Mystic, IA 52574 Visitation FEB 21. 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (CST) Thomas Funeral Home-Centerville 501 North 18th StreetCenterville, IA 52544[emailprotected]http://www.thomasfh.com Funeral Service FEB 22. 2:00 PM (CST) Thomas Funeral Home - Centerville 501 North 18th StreetCenterville, IA 52544[emailprotected]
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