Gerald Robert Simms, 88, of Oakley, IL passed away at 9:45 p.m. on Tuesday (Feb. 15, 2011) at St. Mary's Hospital.
A service to celebrate Gerald's life will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday (Feb. 19, 2011) at Dawson & Wikoff West Wood Street Funeral Home. Visitation will be one hour prior to services. Burial will be in Macon County Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to donor's choice. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com.
Mr. Simms was born on September 5, 1922 in Decatur, IL, the son of John Allen and Donna Mae (Vaughan) Simms. He retired in 1985 from Caterpillar Tractor Company after many years of service. Gerald was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII serving in Australia, New Guinea and the Philippines. He married Mildred M. Albin on June 16, 1950. She preceded him in death on August 17, 2001.
Surviving are his sons: Gary Simms of Oakley, IL and Rick (Joni) Simms of Decatur, IL; sister: Dorothy Carter of Sherman, IL; two granddaughters: Hannah Simms and Sarah Simms.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one brother and one sister.
The Simms family would like to thank Dr. Shackelford and his staff and the fourth floor of St. Mary's Hospital.
| Sharon Lanter & Tom Odle |
Patient |
February 21, 2011 |
Gary & Rick & Family.
Sorry for the loss of you Dad. Our Thought & Prayers are with you.
Sharon & Tom
| Mary M Dacar |
patient & family friend |
February 18, 2011 |
to the family of Gerald Simms -- Dr. Gary, Dr. Rick, Joni, grandchildren and others-- My sincere sympathy and deep condolences to the Simms family. It is difficult to lose a parent, but one can always remember the kind of person that parent was by looking at ourselves and seeing that we live our lives the same way--work hard, always putting our family first, and being devoted to principles and ethics. I am sorry that I am unable to attend the visitation and funeral, but I will be working. My thoughts will be for your family on Saturday. I deeply regret that I will be unable to be there, to support your family. This expression of my sympathy must be (regretfully) a substitution for my attendance. I am making a (remembrance) donation to the Salvation Army in your father's name, and you should receive an acknowledgment from them. Once again, my sincere sympathy. Mary M Dacar 48 Southwood Drive Decatur Il 62521 email address
marydacar@att.net
