Edwin Gregory Sims

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Edwin Gregory Sims, 71, of Macomb, Illinois on Wednesday, January 29, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois. Greg was born on December 11, 1953 at Great Lakes Naval Hospital, Great Lakes, IL to Edwin and Norma (Chandler) Sims. He is survived by his mother, Norma Sims of Chatham, IL; daughters Emily (Ryan) Hughey of Columbia, MO and Kristen (Shawne) Almgren of Fort Collins, CO; granddaughters Greer Hughey and Lilly Almgren; sisters Denise (Glenn) Daugherty of Chatham, and Linda (Chris) Dace of Springfield, IL; and several beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Edwin C. Sims, of Macomb, IL.
Greg's passion for horticulture blossomed early, nurtured during his childhood in Columbia, Missouri. After graduating from Hickman High School, he earned a degree in horticultural sciences from the University of Missouri. A free-spirited young man, Greg ventured to San Francisco with his future wife, Donna DeHaven, where he worked for a major rose producer and even cultivated a new daylily species. Eventually, Greg and Donna returned to Missouri, where they built their dream home nestled in the woods, indulging his love for landscape architecture and immersing himself in the natural beauty he cherished. While raising two beautiful daughters, he worked professionally for the University of Missouri in landscape design and grounds conservation.
After developing health issues, Greg retired early and relocated to Macomb to be closer to his parents and sisters. He continued nurturing his beloved plants in his apartment, maintaining a keen knowledge of everything that sprouted from the ground. Though distance separated Greg from his daughters and granddaughters, his love for them endured.
Greg will be deeply missed by his family and friends though we find comfort knowing he is at rest, basking in the sunshine on one of his favorite beaches, surrounded by our Lord's heavenly beauty.
Cremation has taken place with no formal ceremony at this time. A family celebration of life is scheduled for later this year. Please plant a tree in Gregs memory. Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Please sign guestbook or leave condolences at www.dodsworthfh.com To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Edwin, please visit our Tree Store.