Delbert Franklin Sims

Delbert Franklin Sims, 91, East Wenatchee, a 57 year Wenatchee Valley resident, passed away at home in East Wenatchee on Thursday, January 17, 2013, following an extended illness. He was born on September 9, 1921 at Melbourne, Arkansas to the late Henry and Hardie (Haney) Sims. He was raised and received his schooling in Melbourne and was later married to Earnestine "Tina" Wren on December 22, 1941. They made their first home together in Melbourne. In 1942, Delbert was drafted into the U.S. Army and stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He became a Chauffer to the Officers and was trained to drive the Sherman Tanks. Following his honorable discharge, they continued to make their home in Fort Knox, Kentucky until moving to the Wenatchee Valley in 1950, to rejoin his family. He worked in the area fruit and went to work at C & O Nursery in 1953. He moved to Yakima for a brief term before returning to Wenatchee and his job at C & O Nursery. He also owned and operated a cherry orchard off of Rock Island Road for 14 years. Delbert retired from C & O Nursery in 1986 and shortly thereafter purchased their home in East Wenatchee. He attended the King's Orchard Church of Christ in Wenatchee. He was a master woodworker and built many articles of furniture for his family members and friends. He was an accomplished guitarist and enjoyed travelling, gardening, landscaping and yard work. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Earnestine "Tina" Sims, East Wenatchee; one daughter, Norma Sims, East Wenatchee; two sisters & one brother-in-law, Edith & Ernie Fellows, Cashmere and Eula Duncan, Batesville, Arkansas; one brother & sister-in-law, Corbet & Imogene Sims, East Wenatchee; two grandchildren, Shad Jason Harlan and Whitney Erin Rehberg both of East Wenatchee and two great grandchildren, Ezekiel John Harlan and Logan Xavier Harlan both of East Wenatchee. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Hardie (Haney) Sims, one infant daughter, Frankie Willadean Sims, four brothers, Troy Sims, Homer Sims, Cleo Sims & Hubert Sims and two sisters, Mae White and Virgie Ledford. A Commemoration Service will be held on Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at King's Orchard Church of Christ, 1610 Orchard Street, Wenatchee, with Dale Linge, Minister officiating. Concluding services with Military Honors will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. You are invited to visit his online tribute and leave a message at www.HeritageMemorialChapel.com . Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee.

Delbert Franklin Sims

September 9, 1921 - January 17, 2013