William "Bill" Simms

Longtime Stover native, William Lloyd Simms passed away Sunday, November 1, 2020 at his home south of Stover following a valiant battle with cancer.

Bill, as he preferred to be called, was born March 20, 1937 in Wakenda, Missouri one of five children born to Thomas Jefferson and Adra Naomi Mills Simms.

For most of Bill's life he was employed with Armco Steel in Kansas City, Missouri.  Following his retirement he moved to his little piece of heaven in rural Stover.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Bill made regular fishing trips to Alaska for the big catch there. Despite his big trophies, his most precious moments came from spending time with his family and friends.

Bill is survived by his loving spouse of more than 40 years, Donna O’Neill of the home; two sisters, Shirley Perry of Kansas City and Theresa Mitchell and husband Charlie of Liberty; eight children, Kimberly Stark of Butler, Timmy Simms of Adrian, Lisa Barnes and husband Henry of Stover, Dana Moore of Warrensburg, Kerrie Simms of Warrensburg, Jason Simms and wife Stacy of Stover, Ryan O’Neill and wife Jennifer of Raymore and Michele Goodson of Grain Valley; twenty six grandchildren; a slew of great grandchildren; along with other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by a sister, Carolyn Underwood and a brother, Richard Simms.

In keeping with his wishes, he will be cremated.  A Celebration of Life for Bill will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Sunday, November 15, 2020 at the Stover Community Center. Inurnment will be in the Stover Cemetery. Out of respect for the family, they are requesting masks and for social distancing to be observed.

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