Kenneth (Spanky) Dean Sims left this life to be with his Lord, Jesus, on
November 19, 2024. Kenneth was born on August 13, 1938, to Minter and Bessie (King) Sims. Starting in the early 1950’s Kenny worked for several local farmers; and he joined the Indiana Army Reserves in 1961. On October 6, 1962, he married the love of his life, Arlene Rinker.
In 1956, Kenny started working at the Ford Stamping Plant in Chicago Heights, Illinois where he worked for 14 years. Kenny and Arlene owned and operated Melco Restaurant from 1970 until 1980. Kenny spent his next 21 years working for the La Porte County Highway Department, where he became a very valuable employee earning numerous accommodations and at the 2000 Snow Rodeo he won the Champion Snowplow Tandem Axle Driver Award.
Following his retirement in 2001, Kenny spent his time with his family; cooking special Sunday dinners, going fishing with his grandkids, teaching his grandkids how to garden, canning (any of his vegetables he could get in a jar), and woodworking including building birdhouses. In his spare time, he enjoyed mowing his lawn, collecting model cars and trucks (Fords were his favorite), making wine, and collecting old tools. He enjoyed golfing at the Hamlet Golf Course, Tuesdays with Dave Huhnke (for 45 yrs.) and Thursdays with his son Ken Allen for the past 10 years.
Kenny is survived by his wife Arlene, son Vernon Lee (Jennifer) Sims, daughter Kimberly Lyn Maynard-Sims, and Shannon Graham (Deceased son, Ken Allen’s significant other). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Dustin (Leah) Maynard, Cole (Katlynn) Maynard, Madelyn (Casey) Wallington, Myles (Rachel) Sims, Maxwell Sims (fiancé, Julianne Toth), Samantha (Kyle) Hinds, Alivia (Will) Wynn, and Kaeleigh Graham. Great-grandchildren, Mia, Ava, Aurora, Autumn, Atlas, Dalton, Wyatt, Greyson, Norah Jean, Elise, Carter, Cooper, Jack, and Sloane. He is also survived by a sister, Barbara Swanson and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, one sister, and his son, Ken Allen Sims.
Friends may call at Newhard Funeral Home, Westville on Saturday November 30, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., with a memorial service starting at 3:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hanna American Legion Post #472 c/o Randy Filo 15426 S. 300 W. Hanna IN 46340