Bobby Eugene Sims

Bobby Eugene Sims, age 83 years, a resident of Marion, IL and a former resident of the Simpson community, passed away Tuesday morning, July 11, 2017, at 1:45 AM at the Veterans Administration Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Marion. Bob was born July 29, 1933 in the Dorrisville community (Harrisburg) Illinois. He was the third of four children born to Robert R. Sims and Susie Belle (Durfee) Sims. Bob was united in marriage to Alice Gray on December 22, 1957 in Joliet. She preceded him in death on January 21, 1989. Bob was later united in marriage to Norma J. (Anderson) on July 21, 2001 in Marion. She survives. In addition to his wife, Bob is survived by: 2 daughters – Sherri L. (her husband, Mark) Vick of Herrin and Lisa L. (her husband, James) Brown of Carterville; a stepson – Darrin (his wife, Margaret) Kerr of Louisville, Kentucky; 9 grandchildren – Allyson (her husband, Kyle) Porter, Jonathon Vick, Heather (her husband, Jason) Roesch, Kyle Upchurch, Bailey Muir, Benjamin Brown, AnnaKate Brown, Aidan Herron-Kerr and Colin Herron-Kerr; 3 great grandchildren – Jaylyn Roesch, Parker Muir, and Paxton Muir; a sister – Carol (her husband, Pat Brett) Wollesen of West Palm Beach, Florida; a son-in-law – Garry West of Benton; a sister-in-law – Lena Sims of Bedford, Indiana; a brother-in-law – Charles E. Griffin of Eldorado; nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and first wife, Bob was preceded in death by a daughter – Bobbi L. Sims West; a brother – Donald Sims and a sister – Linda Griffin. Bob was a graduate of the Harrisburg Township High School. He served from 1953-1955 in the Nike missile outfit during the Korean War. Bob was employed for 7 years as a tool and die maker by Fisher Body at their plant in Willow Springs, Illinois. He was later employed for 28 years as a machinist by Martin-Marietta, Inc. retiring in 1990. Bob was of the Protestant faith. He enjoyed deer hunting, particularly with a bow and arrow. A Graveside Service honoring the life of Bobby Eugene Sims will be conducted at 1 PM Thursday, July 13, 2017, at the Gilead Cemetery near Simpson. Pastor Michael Glasco will officiate. Those attending the service are asked to gather at the cemetery at 12:45 PM. There will be no public visitation. Memorials may be made to the Family and may be left in care of Bailey Funeral Home, PO Box 695, Vienna, IL 62995.

Bobby Eugene Sims

July 29, 1933 - July 11, 2017