Lloyd Sims

Lloyd Wight Sims, farmer, soldier and citizen, died March 27, 2020 in the Logan County Manor in Oakley Kansas. Wight was born on April 28, 1925 in Oakley Kansas to Lloyd E. and Grace Switzer Sims. He grew up on his parent’s farm, 10 miles north of town. He lived and worked on that farmstead until age and declining health prompted a move to Oakley in 2007. In his youth he attended the local Country School #78 in Thomas County and then Oakley Public School. He graduated from High School in 1943 and enlisted in the United States Army. Wight was deployed to France and Germany as a Second Lieutenant in the Army of Occupation where he served until the end of World War II. In 1945 he married his high school sweetheart, Lillian Irene Rhea. They made their home on the Sims family farm where they worked, gardened and raised their children. Wight was active in the United Methodist Church of Oakley, served on the Oakley School Board, and the Mingo Co-op board. As a founding member of the Oakley VFW post #2981 Wight was dedicated to VFW service, receiving recognition for 70 years of service in 2019.

Always a builder and creator, Wight’s farmyard was a welcoming venue for memorable occasions hosted by Wight and Lillian for family, Methodist Church groups and friends. Active in the community, Wight will always be remembered for the annual springtime neighborhood party for the North Randall Township and surrounding community.

Wight is survived by his wife of 74 years, Lillian, his children Lana (Arlen) Etling, Bill (Jennifer) Sims, Joyce (Damon) Young, and Brett (Stacy) Sims, sisters Mildred Mayginnes and Beverly (Curt) Eicher. He is also survived by ten grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Linda Smeltzer, and his sisters Audrey Sowers, and Jean Huggins.

He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed.

The celebration of the lives of Wight and Lillian will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 17, 2023, at the Oakley United Methodist Church. Inurnment will follow at 2:00 p.m. in Oakley City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Oakley United Methodist Church and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com