Lowell D. Sims Obituary

Born: Wed., Oct. 16, 1929
Died: Mon., Jul. 21, 2014

Visitation
1:30 PM to 2:30 PM, Fri., Jul. 25, 2014
Location: First Baptist Church

Funeral Service
2:30 PM Fri., Jul. 25, 2014
Location: First Baptist Church

Lowell went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 21, 2014. He was born to Pearl Boozell Sims and Harley Nelson Sims on October 16, 1929 in Russell, Iowa and graduated from Russell High School in 1948. He received a degree in Economics from Iowa Wesleyan College in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. He was a proud veteran of the Korean War, serving overseas. Lowell married his high school sweetheart, Arlene Ellis, on July 8th, 1951 and they were blessed with 63 incredible years together. They had two children, Gary and Diana. Lowell was the Assistant Superintendent of the Burlington Northern Railroad (Ottumwa Division) and was transferred to several cities in the Midwest spending most of his working career in Ottumwa, Iowa. In 1983, after 30 years, they retired to Florida; however, he always considered Russell his home. He was an active member of the 1st Baptist Church in Florida and in Russell and enjoyed his church related activities. He loved the Lord, reading his bible and helping with bible study. Lowell had a personality that would spark up the room. He was a practical joker with a great sense of humor. He had a generous heart and a passion for living life to its fullest. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends. His fondest memories were his family trips to South Dakota, traveling on the Amtrak train with Arlene, exploring Florida and spending time on the farm. He looked forward to hunting morel mushrooms with his kids and grandkids, fishing, hunting, playing cards and driving his old tractors. Every project around the house was a scientific experiment requiring duct tape, used parts from old mowers, copper wire and W-D 40 to make it work. Many of the experimental projects are still in process. Lowell had his own sense of style. He was the master of finding things he didn’t need at garage sales and could never pass up bargains on the other things he didn’t need today, but might need tomorrow. Grandpa Lowell was adored by his grandkids. They looked forward to visiting him at the farm and in Florida. Every day was an adventure. He was a wonderful husband, a great father, an extra special grandpa and good friend to all. His love of family and friend will long be remembered. We will miss him greatly. Lowell was preceded in death by his son, Gary Sims, his grandson, Ryan Sims, his brothers, Hobart and Harold Sims, his sister Juanita Wells, and his parents. He is survived by his wife, Arlene; his daughter, Diana (Jim) Willits of Windsor Heights, Iowa; his daughter-in-law, Becky Sims of West Des Moines, Iowa; and his four grandchildren: Courtney Willits, Ashley Willits, Nick Sims and Zach Sims.