Richard “Dick” Eugene Sims was born Jan. 6, 1946, in Jefferson, Iowa, to Elmer and Zelia (O’Neill) Sims. He was one of eight children born into the family.
He grew up in various places throughout Green County but dropped out of school, working various jobs until joining the U.S. Army as a teen, where he served as a tank driver and then in helicopter aviation.
He was stationed in Germany, where he met his first wife, Margit, and married her on May 11, 1967 in Kronach, Germany. Born into this union was a daughter, Leslie, and a son, Anthony.
Dick served three tours in Vietnam as a helicopter door gunner and then, throughout the Cold War, the family traveled back and forth between Germany and the U.S. until he retired in 1986 with the family in Grand Junction. Dick retired as an E7 SRC after 22 years of service with the U.S. Army.
He then held jobs as a mechanic and truck driver until his complete retirement in June 2023.
He was widowed in 1999 and married Tonja Hoffman on Dec. 30, 2005, in Boone.
Dick was a well-loved, well-respected man. He would crack silly jokes, hang out at Don’s Auto and chat with him, and he liked to watch drag racing and NASCAR and loved sweet treats.
There are many fun and silly memories made with his kids and extended family and friends.
Dick passed away peacefully with his family by his bedside on Jan. 26, 2025, at Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids, Iowa.
He is survived by his wife, Tonja of Grand Junction; daughter, Leslie Sims of Grimes; son, Anthony (Mandy) Sims of Dana, Iowa; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; four siblings; multiple nieces and nephews; other family; and friends.
He will be greatly missed. A burial with military honors will take place at a later date in the Junction Township Cemetery in Grand Junction, Iowa.