Richard Dean Sims, 79 years old of LaPorte, died 5:05 A.M., Monday, June 27, 2011 at Brentwood in LaPorte .
He was born June 15, 1932 in Benton, IL son of Ivor and Estelle (Stevenson) Sims.
Richard was married May 14, 1955 in Corinth Mississippi to Betty J. Gray, who preceded him in death March 1, 1999.
Richard served in the Air Force in the Korean War. He retired from Howmet after 33 years where he worked as Controller.
An avid golfer, Richard also played semi pro baseball in his younger years. He was a member of the Beechwood Men's Club and Bridge Club. Richard was a lifetime member of the American Legion.
Richard was an ordained Elder and member of the LaPorte Presbyterian church.
Surviving are daughters: Judith (Wolfgang) Lewis-VonBuchler of Anderson, IN, Marci (Richard) Cygan of LaPorte, Sarah (Norma) Biederstadt of LaPorte; 5 grandchildren: Elizabeth and Matthew VonBuchler, Dana Baxter, and Natalie and Samantha Cygan; 2 great grand children: Cloe and Abigail and a special friend and companion, Virginia Ward.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Sims and brothers: Vernon Dale and Cecil Allen "Bali"; and sister: Georgia May.
Friends will be received on Wednesday from 4-7 P.M. at the Cutler Funeral Home, LaPorte, IN, and from 10 - 11 A.M. Thursday at the LaPorte Presbyterian Church.
Services will be held at 11 A.M. Thursday, June 30, at the LaPorte Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Ted A. Hartley, Richard's nephew, officiating.
Interment will take place at a later date in the LaPorte Presbyterian Church Columbarium.
Contributions may be made to the LaPorte Presbyterian Church.
Friends may leave condolances at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.