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BORN
1978
DIED
2018
FUNERAL HOME
Eric Simkins Obituary
PEORIA — Eric Lee Simkins, 39, of Peoria passed away at 5:53 pm Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at his residence.
He was born November 25, 1978 in Peoria the son of James and Cynthia McDaniel Simkins. He married Sarah McEvoy on September 8, 2002.
Eric is survived by his father, James Simkins of Peoria; his mother, Cynthia (Kelly) Yamaoka of Peoria; one daughter, Alice Simkins of Washington; two sisters, Kimberly (Erik) Shipman of Pekin, and Angela (Brian) Terry of Groveland; one brother, Carlos Gomez of Peoria.
He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents.
Eric was a Social Worker, last working at Sharon Healthcare.
A visitation will be held 5-7 pm Monday, February 19, 2018 at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel. Cremation rites will be accorded.
Memorials may be made to Human Service Center of Peoria.
To view Eric's memorial page or to leave an online condolence please go to www.davison-fulton.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eric Simkins
Sponsored by Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel.
Cynthis Yamaoka
February 13, 2020
Hello dear son thinking of you more today. I love you and miss you with all my heart
Cindy Yamaoka
September 13, 2018
You are always in my thoughts dear son
Daniel McMeen
February 26, 2018
Jim and family, I am sorry you have to face this kind of pain. Just know that healing comes slowly but surely.
Sister Mary Dries
February 21, 2018
Dear Jim,
I send my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
May Eric rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Sr. Mary Dries (a friend from our days at Guardian Angel)
Eric in January of 2016
Eric Hadley-Ives
February 19, 2018
Eric was a student of mine in 2016. He was very memorable and inspiring. We sometimes discussed music, as that was a passion we both had in common, in addition to social work. I wish we had more conversations about his life when he was down in Athens, Georgia.
Eric was encouraging to his classmates, and in his essays and papers I could see he had a generous and kind disposition; very fair-minded. We often talked about drug addiction and treatment, and I gathered that he was the sort of person who wouldn't give up on others. I remember once a conversation we had about relapses, and he mentioned the very high number of relapses we should expect when helping a person move from addiction to recovery, and his focus was on the ultimate goal; the numerous relapses were just something to be expected on the way to recovery. I thought that this was the right attitude, lacking any sort of moralistic harsh judgment of failures, but instead, just focusing (emotionally, at least) on the healing process and the eventual cure or goal.
Eric was always wiling to share some of insights from his experience working in crisis situations with persons enduring mental illness and substance addictions, and his way of sharing anecdotes or explaining how he and his agency approached certain problems was always professional; explaining the problems and how to deal with them in a way that helped everyone in the class think about what it would take to make positive things happen. He was focused on solutions and saving lives and how do do things that really worked, and thus he was a role model for everyone in the class.
That semester he also became especially passionate about the problems of the state budget and the cuts in funding to programs that were saving lives. He was genuinely interested in how he could be a better advocate for his clients.
I was glad knowing Eric, and the world felt like a better, more hopeful place because he was in it with us. I will always be thankful that our lives crossed and I had a chance to meet him. My life was enriched by knowing him.
Renée
February 19, 2018
I worked with Eric in 2010. He was an artistic, creative and engaging soul. I admired Eric's exuberance, confidence, and stylishness.
He always brightened my day with his stories & outlook on life. My sincere condolences to Alice, his family and his four-legged friends.
Terri McNeal
February 19, 2018
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Becky White
February 18, 2018
Jim,
We were so saddened to read about your son's passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Sincerely,
Steve and Becky White
Patty Nighswanger
February 18, 2018
Our dear sweet Eric, such a good helper to others. We will miss you. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family. Eternal peace dear nephew!
Patty & Terry Nighswanger
Pat LeConte
February 17, 2018
Eric worked for me a short time several years ago at Fayette. I remember him as a hard worker and a very pleasant young man. I was saddened to hear of his death and send my deep sympathy to his loved ones.
Marita Tuggle
February 17, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with Eric's family. I send heartfelt hugs to his sister Ann at this most difficult time. LYMTML.
Tracey & Mike Bingham
February 16, 2018
We Love You Eric. No more pain. No more tears. May God rest your soul. May you be at peace. Sending prayers and comfort to the family at this difficult time.
Tracey & Mike Bingham
February 16, 2018
We Love You Eric. No more pain. No more tears. May God rest your soul. May you be at peace. Sending prayers and comfort to the family at this difficult time.
Cathie Mitchell
February 16, 2018
May God continue to give strength to all during this time of sorrow as we take one day at a time-
Alan Swearingen
February 16, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are will all of you at this difficult time. May God blass and comfort you.
Dara Frazier
February 15, 2018
I love you my sweet friend.
Ann Terry
February 15, 2018
As you laid in the shallows of death
I pray you felt no fear,
God rest your soul
As you took your final breath
And shed your last tear.
May you finally be at peace, little brother. I love you.
Priscilla Culp
February 15, 2018
Praying for your family during this time and always .
Lorinda Guariglia
February 15, 2018
A fellow classmate with much to offer. He positively influenced many lives before even earning his BSW. He will be missed by many.
April Halverson
February 14, 2018
You will be remembered..
Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results
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Memorial Events
for Eric Simkins
Feb
19
Visitation
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel2021 North University Street, Peoria, IL 61604
Funeral services provided by:
Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel2021 North University Street, Peoria, IL 61604
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