He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1948-1952 and was a 1948 graduate of Columbus High School. He married Ingelvie Luenebrink on January 2, 1951 and they shared 57 years together before she preceded him in death in 2008.
After his honorable discharge from the Marines, he owned and operated several businesses including a construction company and Sims Saw Mill, and he worked as a farmer. Later in his life, he drove a school bus and eventually retired from the Carpenters Union after 6 years.
Robert was a long time member of St. John's Lutheran Church of Whitecreek and was a founding member of the White Creek Conservation Club. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge #398 and the American Legion Post 24.
He enjoyed planting and attending to his apple orchard, gardening, canning, wood working, hunting, and fishing.
Robert is survived by his sons, Randolf L. (Joyce) Sims, Robert D. (Peggy) Sims, Gary L. (Michelle) Sims, and Keith A. (Sue) Sims; his daughter, Twila A. (David) Romine, all of Columbus; 15 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Mildred Jean Fiesbeck
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; 1 granddaughter; 4 sisters; and 2 brothers.
A funeral service for Robert will be held Tuesday, April 25 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church of White Creek officiated by Rev. Channing Kearne and Rev. Ralph Blomenberg. Burial will follow at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Bartholomew County Honor Guard. Friends may gather for visitation on Monday, April 24 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Myers-Reed Chapel on 25th Street. Memorial donations in his name may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church or Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.
To share a fond memory of Robert or leave a condolence for the family, visit www.Myers-Reed.com.
Myers-Reed Chapel is assisting the Sims family.
