Larry Frederick Sims
( December 17, 1944 – August 02, 2017 )
Larry was born on December 17, 1944 to Raymond and Ila Sims. He was the youngest of four, and swore to his siblings that he was momma’s favorite. At the age of 4, he dreamed of jumping on the train headed for Texas to catch jack rabbits. He later changed his mind and in 1960, at the age of 16, he joined the US Navy, serving until 1964. In 1967, Larry joined the Kansas City Fire Department. Station 19 was his home for most of his career where he was a driver on Truck 7. He became Captain before retiring in 1992.
A cowboy at heart, he loved his guitar and music. Some of his favorite hobbies are playing his guitar, going to the casinos, fishing, and spending time with his soul mate and best friend Blondie at the beach, as well as spending time with his children and grand children. Larry was a great man, with a big heart and touched the lives of many.
He is survived by his wife Deanna Sims, his daughters, Rebecca McCue (Jodee), Shelley Harmon (Steve), Nikki Mercier (Joey), Robin Riordan and Angela Barnes, his son Chuck Ball, his sister Barbara Holman, his brother Raymond Sims Jr. (Nancy), 13 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
He was surpassed in death by his parents Raymond Sims and Ila Sims, and his sister Lillian Downs.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, Missouri.