Michael Lynn Sims

Michael Lynn Sims was born on July 8, 1951, to Ray Lee Sims and Johnnie Lee Gray Gurley in Springfield, Missouri. He passed away on March 3, 2026, in Aurora, Colorado, surrounded by his children and family.

Throughout his life, Michael served as a preacher and EMT, owned the small restaurant The Tri-Me in Fredonia, Kansas, worked as a road paver, and concluded his career as a Parts Manager for automotive dealerships. He loved climbing mountains, especially Colorado’s 14ers, camping in every corner he could reach, rock hounding, watching football, and later soccer. An avid bird watcher, he cherished his binoculars, and he found great joy in traveling and spending time with his children. In his final years, he was devoted to his two beloved Chihuahuas, Ralphie and Lily, who were constant companions at his side. Above all, he was a loving husband to his late wife April, a devoted and involved father, son, brother, cousin, and friend to many.

He is survived by his daughters Amy (Gus) Passero, Sadie (Matt) Goering, and Jessica (Matt) Baca; bonus daughter Samantha (Ken) Cooper; bonus son Merrill (Susie) Urdahl; his brother Ray Sims, brother Steve Sims, sister Linda Venneman, and sister Denny Haynes; along with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Sierra (Martin) Jacob and great-granddaughter Lily; Kristavia (Trace) Strotheide and great-grandsons Cal and Bo; Kiya (Zach) Theony; Cassidy Goering; Miles Goering; Samantha (Dalton) Burke and great-grandson Holden; Matthew Baca; Benji (Robin) LeMaster and great-grandson Colt; Alexis Cooper; Joshua Urdahl; and Justin Urdahl.

Michael was preceded in death by his wife April Sims, sons Joe B. and Christopher Sims, brothers Danny and Charles Sims, sister Lorraine Marr, granddaughter Abigail Urdahl, his mother Johnnie Gray, and stepfather Bud Gray. A man of deep personal faith, he lived by the Bible and maintained his own close relationship with the Lord. He was a great man and an honorary dad to many who held his family together. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.