John Robert 'Boone' Sims

John Robert “Boone” Sims, 81 of Odon, IN, passed away peacefully and went home to be with his Lord and Savior on April 22, 2020 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes. He was laid to rest in a private ceremony on April 24, 2020 at Walnut Hill Cemetery in Odon. Boone was born on August 11, 1938 to Robert A. and Helen L. (Dowden) Sims in Odon, IN.

Boone graduated from Odon High School in 1956. On April 7, 1957, he married Nancy Smith of Indianapolis. They decided to settle in Odon and raise a family. Boone had a few jobs over the years, such as McCord’s in Washington and APEX in Bicknell. For a time, he ran a mink farm at his residence. In the 1970’s, Boone decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and plant an orchard. He expanded his business with many fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, cantaloupe, sweet corn and green beans.  He also opened “Sims Farm Market” located in Farlen. In the 1990’s, he sold the business only to plant a new orchard. At the Bloomington Farmer’s market, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, he continued selling his fruits and vegetables where customers would line up for his peaches. Boone did not know a stranger; he loved talking to his customers about anything. His regulars would not only return for the best produce, but also for a friendly story like only Boone could tell. Boone and Nancy were in the produce business for over 40 years together. When he was not farming, Boone worked for the North Daviess School Corporation as a custodian. He retired from this job in 2003. Boone enjoyed family, hunting, fishing, trapping and “shootin’ the breeze” with anyone that would listen.

Boone is survived by Nancy, his loving wife of 63 years and his five children: Gary (Laura) Sims of Washington; Christina (Ron) Porter of Washington; Doug (Jodi Garrison) Sims of Odon; John Duane Sims of Indianapolis; and Susan (Randall) Johnson of Bloomington.   He leaves one sister, Randi Sims of Vincennes, along with 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and several nieces/nephews and brothers/sisters-in law.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Ronald Joe Sims; one sister, Jenny Strange and one son-in-law, John M. Sibray.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Boone to the Ketcham Memorial Center in Odon who cared for him in his last few years of life.

All arrangements have been entrusted to Meng Family Funeral Home in Odon. Online condolences may be sent to www.mengfuneralhome.com.