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Edward Douglas Sims, Sr. 84, originally of Lansing, MI and long-time resident of Albuquerque, passed peacefully in his home on October 10, 2006, surrounded by family, and specifically in the loving arms of his granddaughter and long-time care taker, Sonja Sims, her significant other, John Sneesby and his mother, Lilly Ogden, and Ed's grandson, Michael Wright. He was a devoted and honorable husband and father, marrying Wanda Jean Culbertson of Tucumcari, NM in May 1944. Together they had 11 children, all raised in the Catholic church. He is survived by his children, Edward D. Sims Jr. and his wife, Therese, Peter L. Sims and his wife, Linda of Georgia, Rita M. Sims-Kirkland and her husband, David Kirkland of Kansas, Nancy Jean Cooper, Michael A. Sims and his spouse, Mary, Linda M. Hill and her husband Michael of North Carolina, Judith L. Sims-Dutz and her husband, Stephen, Colleen F. Bultmann and her significant other, Peter Zilink, and Scott P. Sims of Texas. He is also survived by a faithful battalion of grandchildren (35!) and great-grandchildren too extensive to name! He was preceded in death by his wife of 29 years, Wanda; his daughters, Theresa and Judith Ruth; his brother, Newt; and his sisters, Valerie and Grace. A World War II Veteran, he proudly served his country from 1940 through 1945 as a member of 384th squadron and with the 509th Bomb Group as a Technical Sergeant from 1945 to 1948, and his memories of those days of national service remained some of his most cherished. Following his honorable discharge from service, he was employed as one of the original Security Inspectors for Sandia National Laboratories where his contemporaries affectionately referred to him as Big Edd, not as much for his stature as his presence. He retired in 1985 after 35 years of service. He was also a devoted member of the Sangre de Cristo parish. In his own wonderfully poignant words he said, "I have loved so many people silently and could not bring myself to speak out, it's too emotional, and I always was a sentimental old fool. May God bless each and all of my children. I have loved all of you each in a different way." He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. A Rosary will be recited Friday, October 13, 2006, 10:30 a.m., followed by Mass at 11:00 a.m. at Sangre de Cristo Catholic Church, 8901 Candelaria Road, NE. Internment will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery, 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice. French Mortuary, Inc. 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE 505) 275-3500
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