HOWARD ROSS SIMS JR.

Pittsburg–Howard Ross Sims Jr., 90 of Pittsburg passed away surrounded by his loving family at 6:30 P.M. on Sunday, September 8, 2013 at Herrin Hospital.

Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday September 12, 2013, at the Murman & Wilson Funeral Home in Johnston City with Pastor John Holst officiating. Burial will be in the Davis Prairie Cemetery of Marion. Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home. Graveside military rites will be conducted by the Marion V.F.W., American Legion, and the Illinois Army National Guard.

Memorials may be made to Zion United Church of Christ Memorial Fund and/or Hospice of Southern Illinois. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Howard was born on August 25, 1923, in Pittsburg, the son of Marion Ross and Grace (Mandrell) Sims. He married Caroline Henrietta (Wickert) on September 30, 1950. She preceded him in death on June 10, 2010.

Howard managed Cagle Paint and Hardware in Marion for over 40 years. He was a veteran of WWII proudly serving in the army. He was a life member of the V.F.W of Marion and was an avid Cardinals fan. He was a member of the Williamson County Farm Bureau and Zion United Church of Christ.

He is survived by two sons, Alan Sims and wife Nancy and Duane Sims and wife Sharon; grandchildren, Chelsey Nichole Sims, Charles Joshua Sims, Kimberlee Monique (Sims) Todd and partner Josh Childress, Mara Grace (Sims) Gaddis and husband Brandon Lee, Patrick Ross Sims and Fiancée Jessica Bowman; great grandchildren, Austin Lee Todd, Kara Leighellen Todd, Lane Alan Lee Todd, Ashlyn Leeann Sims, Patrick Ross Sims Jr., Collin Ross Wyant, Mia Jo Childress and Micah Owen Childress; a brother, Kenneth Sims and wife Donna of Marion; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many beloved friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Greta Mae Sims; and a brother, Laverne Sims who was killed in service during WWII.