Larry Sims

The family of Larry Sims is saddened to announce of his passing Saturday September 6, 2025, after a long battle with illness. Larry was born June 14, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois to James Sims & Mary Felton-Sims. He was the youngest of his siblings James Jr Sims & Geraldine Sims-Harmon. He graduated St. Philip Basilica High School, a Catholic School. After graduation he immediately enlisted to the United States Marine Corps in 1974 to 1983. During his service he achieved the rank SSGT (Staff Sergeant) During Larry's first marriage he was blessed with 2 sons Larry Jr & Corey Sims. After his honorable discharge from the military, Larry worked various jobs in California. In 1982, he met Rita. He was her supervisor for a factory where they created airplane parts. They were blessed with a daughter Amanda in 1988. In 1991 Larry & Rita got married here in Las Vegas & decided to make New Mexico their home. Larry was a man of simple pleasures. He loved to read. Fishing was his favorite hobby & he was an avid gardener. Throughout his life, Larry was a hard worker & dedicated his life to helping others. He worked as a caregiver for Citizens of Developmentally Disability & Family Options. During that time, he worked full time at New Mexico Highlands University Donnelly Library until his retirement in 2014. He coached Las Vegas YABL in 1997-98 & was an active volunteer coach for Special Olympics for many years. His patience & passion to support his athletes on and off the field was inspiring.

He is preceded in death by his parents James & Mary, his brother James Sims JR, son Corey Sims & stepson Rudy Archuleta. Daughter in law Erlinda Martinez, Nieces Deborah Harmon & Anita Ross. Nephews Phil Harmon, Jeffrey Scott & Freddie Jr Vigil.

He is survived by his wife Rita Sims, daughter Amanda Rae Sims, son Larry Jr Sims & his grandson Erik Edwards who he loved and raised as his own son. His grandchildren Darius Collins, Demarcus Sims, Michael & Alicianna Archuleta, Bianca Sanchez (Trini) Steven & Ramon Martinez; Great grandchildren Zaiden, Estrella, Neveah, Nathan Jr, Jezeriah, Jordan, Alejandro, Rory, Kate, Lyza & Zoey. Sister Geraldine Harmon; Mother-in-law Alice Torres; Sister In laws Gloria Encinias (Daniel), Grace Vigil (Fred), Gilbert Torres (Chong), Lydia Sanchez, Rosalie Martinez (Greg). Nieces & Nephews Anton & Kimberly Harmon, Daniel & Daryll Encinias, Janet & Pedro Torres, Mark & Dennis Vigil, Carlos & Alysha Martinez and all their families. Special friends Charles Havik, George Torres & Raymond Chavez.

Funeral services are scheduled as followed: Sunday September 21st - Rosary at 4pm Monday September 22nd - Mass at 9am Mass & Rosary will be at the Immaculate Conception Church 811 6th St. Las Vegas New Mexico.Honoring Larry as Pallbearers will be Carlos Martinez, Anton Harmon, Daryll Encinias, Gabriel Encinias, Delio Encinias, Daniel Jr Encinias, George Torres & Trini Sanchez Honorary Pallbearers Erik Edwards & his remaining Grandchildren & Great grandchildren

Interment will be Monday September 22nd 2:00pm at Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM. Funeral procession will start at 12:15pm at Rogers Mortuary.

Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary, 600 Reynolds Ave., Las Vegas, NM 87701, 505-425-3511 or 1-800-479-3511.

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