Larry Richard Simms

Larry Richard Simms, 81, of West Salem, Illinois, passed away on January 18, 2025, at StoneBridge Senior Living in Olney, Illinois.
Larry was born in Olney, Illinois, August 26, 1943, to Albert and Ella (Medler) Simms. He grew up on a farm west of Albion and married his high school sweetheart, Judith Kay Quillen on May 30, 1963, at Marion Christian Church in West Salem. They were married for fifty-three years.
Larry and Judy began their married life in Boise, Idaho with Larry serving in the United States Air Force at Mountain Home Air Force base. He served his country for almost 5 years and was honorably discharged in 1966. Their sons, John and Paul, were born while in Idaho. Upon their return to Illinois, Larry and Judy settled in West Salem where their daughter, Angela, was born. Over the years Larry worked at Champion Laboratories as a lab technician, as owner of Simms Electric Service, then many years working throughout southern Illinois for Continental Telephone, Contel, Verizon and eventually retiring from GTE. Per Judy's wishes, in 2016 Larry was able to travel to Washington, DC as a member of the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight. In retirement, Larry enjoyed working on and restoring old Ford tractors. Larry was active in his community through various organizations including the West Salem Ruritan Club, and American Legion Post. Larry also served the West Salem community through a combined twenty years of service as a village board member and as mayor. Larry was a faithful blood donor to the American Red Cross, surpassing the 18-gallon donation mark! He spent his last years at StoneBridge Senior Living in Olney. The outstanding care he received there is much appreciated by his family.
Larry was preceded in death by his wife Judy; his parents Albert and Ella Simms; and siblings Wanda Simms Roosevelt of Mt. Carmel, Donald Simms of Maryland, William "Bill" Simms of Lakeland, Florida, Lois Simms Goodson of Albion, Robert Simms of Albion and an infant sibling.
Larry is survived by his three children: John Simms and his wife Christy (Muhs) Simms of Edwardsville, IL; Paul Simms and his wife Sara (Wenrick) Simms of Newburgh, Indiana; Angela Shupe and her husband David Shupe of La Grange, KY; nine grandchildren: Bethany (Matt) Witte, Joselyn (Patrick) Miller, Cale (Rachel) Simms, Nathan (Mackenna) Simms, Dasha Simms, John (Rhiane) Shupe, Emily, Grace and Grant Shupe; and seven great-grandchildren: Owen, Naomi and Ellis Witte, Maggie, Jane and Allison Miller and Henry Simms. Larry is also survived by his friend Lugenea Goodwin, several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made online at https://honorflightsi.org/donate/ or by mail to:
Honor Flight of Southern Indiana
PO Box 8234
Evansville, IN 47716.
Services will be held at Nale's Funeral Home in Albion, Illinois, with visitation on Thursday January 23, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Dustin Leek of West Salem officiating. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Albion with full military rites.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at www.nalesfuneralhome.com.
Nale's Funeral Home is honored to serve and support the Larry Simms family.
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