Larry Paul Sims

On Wednesday, February 12, 2020, Larry Paul Sims, loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother passed away. Larry was born on August 28, 1938 in Cassville, Missouri to Matt B. and Opal Jessie Sims. He attended Horner Grade School, graduated Cassville High School in 1956 where he served as his Senior Class President. He went on to earn a college degree in mathematics from Southwest Missouri State (SMS), and served as 1st Lieutenant in the US Army from 1962 to 1965. On March 30, 1963, Larry married his grade school sweetheart, Margaret Helen Turner, and they shared 56 years of marriage. They raised a son and a daughter in Derby, Kansas where they were lifelong residents. Larry worked for Coleman Company for 10 years before establishing a second career as the facilities engineer for Boeing Aircraft. Following his retirement from professional life, Larry

returned to his roots he knew as a child; working with cattle, growing an abundant vegetable garden, and serving as a mentor and friend in the farming community in Derby, Kansas. Larry was known for his mentorship, service in the community, and friendly nature. He served on the Planning Commission of Derby, Kansas and was a member of the Heartland Church of Christ in Wichita. Larry is survived by his wife Margaret Sims, a brother, VC

Sims and June of Monett, Missouri; a son, James Bryan Sims and wife Laura of Sulphur Springs, Texas; a daughter, Alyssa Lynn Monacelli (Sims) and husband Kenneth Monacelli of New Braunfels, Texas; and two granddaughters, Megan Marie Monacelli and Mary Margaret Monacelli both of Denver, Colorado. Larry is preceded in death by his father, Matt B. Sims; mother, Opal Jessie Sims (Hopkins); brothers Matt Bryant Sims;

Morris Sims; and Robert Sims. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established with the Food Bank of Kansas, 1919 E. Douglas Avenue, Wichita, Kansas 67211.