Donald Ray “Don” Simms, 84, of Richmond, died Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Donald was born on Nov. 14, 1937, in Carrollton.  He was first married to Judi Ann Thomas of Richmond in April 1958; they later divorced.  He later married Glenda Kay Shelor of Richmond on Nov. 15, 1982; she survives of the home.

Additional survivors include two sons, Donald Cole “Rusty” Simms of Enid, OK, and Sammy Ray (Karen) Simms of Columbia; two daughters, Angela Marie Lewis of Richmond and Callie Lynn (Jeremy) Zackula of Independence; three stepdaughters, Connie Phipps, Julie Baker, and Cathy Wright, all of Richmond; 17 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Dixie Corbin and Debbie Knott, both of Carrollton.

He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Kaelyn Howe; and brother, Jack Knott.

Don was reared and educated in the area of his birth and graduated from the Carrollton High School.  In 1958, he enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country as a career serviceman.  He was sergeant first class, he served in Vietnam, had been stationed in Germany, France, Okinawa, and different locations in the United States.  He retired from the military in 1978. 

After the military, he worked in civil service as a property book officer at Fort Leavenworth, KS, and retired from there in 1999.  He enjoyed his family, watching TV, doing yard work, golfing, and fishing.  He was of the Christian faith and was a member of the Graceview Church in Richmond.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.  They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Memorial graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, Higginsville. 

Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond is in charge of arrangements.  Please remember to share your memories of Donald with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.