Dennis R Sims' Obituary
Dennis Sims, 78, of Seminole, passed away on June 13, 2026.
Dennis was born on August 12, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, at Mercy Hospital to his late parents, Roy D. Sims and Linda Mehrings (Sims- Oestermeyer). He was also preceded in death by his brother, Roger Sims, who passed away in 2019.
He is survived by many brothers and sisters-in-laws, Patricia Sims, Roger's wife; Nancy O'Brien, widow of the late Bill O'Brien and the late John O'Brien; and Robert and Doreen O'Brien. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory and the time they shared with him.
Dennis will be remembered with love and affection by his family and all who knew him. His presence, kindness, and the memories he created with those around him will remain in the hearts of his loved ones for years to come.
He lived a life filled with love, creativity, compassion, and quiet strength. He was known for his warm smile, gentle spirit, and the kindness he showed to everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Dennis shared a loving and devoted partnership with his spouse, Patrick O'Brien. Together they built a life rich in friendship, laughter, companionship, and unwavering support. Patrick was the love of his life, and their bond was a source of joy and comfort through the 50 years that they shared.
He began his career teaching at Luther High School South in Chicago. He later transitioned into the IT field in the early 1980s, where he worked writing COBOL (a programming language widely used in business systems at the time). In the later years of his career, he moved into project management, where he continued to build on his technical and organizational leadership expertise until retirement.
A talented photographer, he found beauty in both everyday moments and extraordinary scenes. He had a remarkable eye for capturing memories and preserving the people, places, and experiences that mattered most to him.
He also had a deep and abiding love for animals. His home and heart were always open to the pets who became cherished members of his family. He shared special bonds with Jasper, Ms. Toast, Dustin, Shadow, Toby, Riley, Bailey, Joey, and Marla, each of whom brought him companionship, comfort, and happiness. Caring for animals was one of the many ways Dennis expressed his generous and loving nature.
He will be remembered for the love he shared with Patrick, his devotion to his beloved pets, his artistic spirit, and his ability to make others feel welcome and valued. His legacy is one of compassion, loyalty, and a life well-lived
He leaves behind his beloved husband, Patrick O'Brien, along with many friends and loved ones who will forever cherish his memory.
Though he is gone from our sight, Dennis’s love, laughter, and the memories he created will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, Patrick kindly requests donations to the Guide Dogs for the Blind in his memory
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday August 12th, 2026 at 11 am at Memorial Park Cemetery, with a reception to follow at Memorial Park Funeral Home.
August 12, 1947 – June 13, 2026
"What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us." – Helen Keller
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