Donald L. Sims

     We are sad to announce the death of Donald Leroy Sims of McFadden WY, who passed from this world on the 21st of January 2025.

     Don was born March 5th, 1930, to Roy and Opal (Printy) Sims in Laramie. He was a graduate of Laramie High School and an alumnus of the University of Wyoming. Don spent most of his life as a rancher in the Rock Creek valley where he and his family led the Sims ranch to receive national recognition for their holistic management practices and environmental stewardship. He also served as a Hydrographer/Commissioner for the State of Wyoming over a distinguished 30-year career. He was well respected for his knowledge of water law and how he handled water administration in his district.

     Don led a life of wide and varied interests. He was proud of the fact that he was on the first University of Wyoming rodeo team and participated in the first rodeo put on by UW. He was also a talented musician playing both the saxophone and the guitar in bands and solo. He was active in cowboy poetry writing and reciting numerous poems and a few songs. He wrote a few books, both fiction and nonfiction. One of his books, called My First 70 Years, shares not only his life, but some valuable history of the Rock Creek Valley.

     Some of Don’s adventures led him to explore ranching in Australia and New Zealand as well as a trip to China. He was an avid elk hunter and mountain fisherman, who taught his family the art of packing with horses. Even when his hunting days were over, he delighted in hearing hunting stories and often shared his past stories as well.

     He was very proud of his family and how the family managed the ranching operation. He was eager to try new things and supported new methods of operation as they came along. He was ready to offer a helping hand and did so up to the day he died. He always looked forward to the next day with enthusiasm.

     He was preceded in death by his mother and father, his older sister, Lauretta McQuay, his son Olin Sims, and grandchildren, Jennifer Jones, Russel and Brooke Sims.

     He is survived by his wife Cheryl (Williams) Sims, son Scott Sims and wife April of McFadden, daughter Denise (Sims) Loose and husband Larry, of Kimball, Nebraska, and Tammie Sims of McFadden. His grandchildren Carrie Jones, Shanon (Melinda) Sims, Kendra (Josh) Keller, and Tyler (Elise) Sims. Great grandchildren: Kagan and Jentry Sims, Georgia Lendhart, Kash Keller, Charlee and Jesslyn Sims. And by stepsons Chance and Casey George of Douglas; grandchildren Lane, Tyler, Autumn, Karah George, and Kaleigh Dixon, and 5 great grandchildren.

     The family is planning a service in the summer.

Casada Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements: www.casadacares.com . Trees can be planted in memory of Don at their website.