Harry J. Sims

Harry J. Sims, age 86, of Elkhart, passed away Saturday, March 26, 2022 at Indiana University Hospital, Indianapolis. He was born April 1, 1935 in Newton, IL to Harry and Mabel Sims. On May 30, 1958 at West Salem Methodist Church in Mt. Vernon, IL he married Martha McPherson.

After high school, Harry honorably served his country as a sergeant in the US Marine Corps from 1954 to 1957, during the Korean Conflict, where he received the Good Conduct medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He received a Masters Degree in Public Administration in 1985 from Indiana University, South Bend.  He retired from the Elkhart Police Department in 1990 as Captain of Services Division after 24 years of service.

His career in law enforcement began in Mt. Vernon, IL 1962-1966.  Moving to the Elkhart Police Department, he served as Sergeant, LT. Detective, LT. Narcotics, Lt. Services/ training/firearms instructor, and Captain of Services /budget and finance. He was a member of Tyrian Masonic Lodge #718 where he served as Worshipful Master. He was a 52- year member of Kane Masonic Lodge #183 F. & A.M., Valley of South Bend Scottish Rite 32 degree, a lifetime member of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 52, and a longtime member of Hillcrest United Methodist Church.

Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Martha of Elkhart; children Michael (Kelly) Sims of Cincinnati, OH, Carol C. Sims of Elkhart, Matthew R. Sims of Elkhart, Laurie K. Sims-Posthuma of Elkhart; grandchildren Ryan (Jasmin) Sims, Tyler (Brittany) Sims, Andrew (Lauren) Sims, Cassandra (Adam) Dunker, Michael (Juana) Sims and Allysia Sims; step-grandchildren Michael P. Posthuma and Taryn Posthuma; four great-grandchildren with a fifth on the way; three step-great-grandchildren; and Harry’s brother John (Carol) Sims.

Masonic service and funeral service will be held at 6:00 pm Friday, April 1, 2022 at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514, where visitation will be from 3:00 to 6:00 pm before the service.  Pastor Tracy Rose-Love of Hillcrest United Methodist Church will officiate.

Memorials for Harry may be made to Hillcrest United Methodist Church, 4206 E. Bristol St., Elkhart, IN 46514. Online condolences for Harry’s family may be made at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com

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