Obituaries

Judge Richard H. Simms, Sr., 85

September 29, 2020

Richard Howard “Dickey” Simms, Sr., 85, of Lancaster, passed away Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at Magnolias of Lancaster. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Herman and Reba (Brown) Simms. Dickey was the loving husband of Janet (Pack) Simms with whom he celebrated 33 years of marriage.

Dickey was a 1953 graduate of J.P. McCaskey High School. He proudly served in the US Air Force from 1953 to 1962. In June 1968, he was sworn in as an Officer. He attended the Police Academy with the Pennsylvania State Police. He attended numerous trainings during his career. While working for the Bureau he attended F&M and earned an Associate’s Degree in Business.

In 1976 he was promoted to Sergeant. During his career he worked Patrol, Community Relations and as a Detective in the Investigative & Juvenile Divisions.
His personnel file is filled with letters of Commendation for his work as a Police Officer. He received countless letters of appreciation from members of the community, civic groups and SDOL for his efforts and outreach.

He retired as a Sergeant in 1991. In 1993 he was hired as a civilian in the Community Relations/Crime Prevention Office. He worked there until 1999 when he was elected as the Magisterial District Judge for the SE section of Lancaster City.

He continued to serve Lancaster City for several terms as an MDJ and then as a Senior MDJ for the area, retiring in 2013.

He also served as President of the Police & Fire Civil Service Board and was a Board Member for the Youth Aide Panel.

He was a longtime member of Brightside Baptist Church. He was a friendly person, funny, and outgoing. An avid sports fan, he enjoyed watching the Cowboys and 76ers. He loved family gatherings and vacationing in Memphis, TN. He also enjoyed listening to Jazz music.

In addition to his wife, Janet, he is survived by his children: Anita Simms (Walter Whack), Lancaster; Gina Simms, Millersville; Steven Simms (Janine), Mountville; Richard Simms, Jr. (Paula Costella), Lancaster; William C. Simms (Bria), Lancaster; James Lilly (Tammy), FL; Elena Crump (Adam), GA; and Michael Lilly, Lancaster; 22 grandchildren, and two adopted grandchildren, Jadyn Taylor and Jordan Lilly; 21 Great-Grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings: Herman and Charles Simms, and Olive Ann Simms Wilson.

Family and friends will be received from 6PM to 8PM, Friday, October 2, 2020 at Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 414 E. King St., Lancaster, PA 17603. A second viewing will be held from 9AM to 11AM, Saturday, October 3, 2020 at Bright Side Baptist Church, 515 Hershey Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603. Funeral Services will follow at the church at 11AM. Masks and social distancing will be required. Interment with military and police honors will take place at Mellinger Mennonite Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in Dickey’s memory be made to the School Fund for the adopted children at Lancaster Red Rose Credit Union, 1010 New Holland Ave., Lancaster, PA 17601. In the memo of the check, please write: FBO Janet Simms.

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Condolences to the Family

November 18, 2020

I’m so sorry I did not read this earlier.  Dickie and I were “secret friends” during our Junior High School days.  We always found each other at recess time — one white kid, one black kid.  We knew that somehow, society frowned on us talking together in those days (and did we learn anything from all the pain — and missed chances to work together — after those days?)  My sincere condolences to family and friends.  I wish we could have gotten together as adults.  I’ll always remember Dickie with great warmth and respect.
Most sincerely and sorrowfully,
Les Blatt, now in Worcester Massachusetts (retired professor of physics and education, Clark University)

October 31, 2020

I would like to thank on behalf of the family to all those for the well wishes,prayers and kind words it’s much appreciated …Thank you Heavenly Father for such a wonderful earthly father and may he now Rest In Peace…..Amen🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Steven Simms

October 27, 2020

We are very sorry to learn of your loss. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. 
The Hayes Family/Taeguk Taekwondo 

October 07, 2020

I extend my heartfelt condolences to Janet and all the family. May God’s peace and comfort be with you all during this sorrowful time. Cherished memories will give strength to face each new day.               
Kathy Herr

October 07, 2020

Our sincere condolences to the Simms family.  You are in our prayers.
Williamson Family

October 05, 2020

To Janet and Family, we express our deepest condolences and pray you will find comfort in knowing God is with you.
James and Bonnie Morant 

October 05, 2020

My condolences goes out to all of the Simms Family. Peace be with you all. Sarah Gantz

October 03, 2020

My Condolences to the Simms family. Loving thoughts 
Missy Rodriguez

October 03, 2020

My condolences to you Janet and your wonderful family, they were always ther for him.  I didn’t know him until my Husband went into Magnolias, and became his friend.  My son recognized him when he visited, for he was an assistant district attorney, and really enjoy having cases with him.  You have a lot to be proud of, for he had a very fruitful life.  My best to you all!
Carol Grosh

October 03, 2020

Dickie was a one of a kind man and friend! He will be missed by many. My condolences to Janet and the family!
Gerald Patterson

October 03, 2020

Heart felt condolences to the Simms family may God comfort you all during this time of your loss.. 
Sincerely Eugene Gantz

October 03, 2020

Heartfelt condolences to the entire Simms family.  May the lifelong memories of Mr. Dickey give you comfort and may his legacy live on.
Maxine & Charles Cook

October 03, 2020

Praying you are comforted by memories and held close in God’s everlasting love as you grieve.
Warm and loving thoughts,
Mildred Hargrove and Schell Hargrove

October 03, 2020

My Condolences to Richard Jr and the Simms family
Kyle Awkerman

October 02, 2020

Condolence to Janet and family.
Janet B Nusum

October 02, 2020

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO THE SIMMS’S FAMILY,CONDOLENCES TO YOUR FAMILY ON THE PASSING OF YOUR LOVED ONE. CUNNINGHAM FAMILY

October 02, 2020

My Condolences to the family.
Margaret Mack-Selby

October 02, 2020

To the Janet n Simms family/relatives sending prayers/sympathy in the passing of Dickey from the Boots family. I will always treasure the wisdom/funny stories he n Harold Jordan would share with me when he would stopped by the Manos House during the time I was a counselor during the seventies. RIP Dickey, Papa Boots

October 02, 2020

Janet and family,
Were were put here to serve the Lord and create memories.  He did more than his share. He is to be commended. Our times together were filled with fun,laughter and jokes. Our Prayers are with you.
Blaine and Judy Holland

October 02, 2020

I just want to give my condolences to you and your family.  “Dickie” and I go way back to the days when I ran the Thriftway Supermarket and he and the family were customers and he and his brother, Herman, help provide security services when needed.  He was a fine person.  You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
A Friend from the Past,  Alan Loss

October 02, 2020

Janet, so sorry to hear about Dickey. I did not know him all that well but my experiences with him through our acquaintance was that he was an extremely friendly, outgoing and humorous man. Wishing you and the rest of Dickey’s family condolences and better days ahead.
TONY ELROD

October 02, 2020

hi janet and family membersi am thinking of you.  dick and i worked together many tears on the lancaster ciyy oiklice ept.  we were good he will be sorely missed.  f friends.   he was trusted, well respected and looked up to while serving in. any capacity he will be sorely missed.  death of a loved onev is always difficut.  hand in there and think iof his memories he left behind for yu to cherish.  take care an god bless you and your family.
 
 
r

October 02, 2020

Judge Simms may you Rest In Peace.  I have fond memories of having lunch several days a week with Judge Simms at Frank’s Place.  He had a quick wit and always had the lunch counter patrons laughing.  He never held a grudge and he had the attitude that we can agree to disagree.  Sincere condolences to the Simms family.
Fondly,
Mary Lynn Hobday DiPaolo

October 02, 2020

Simms Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Even though I only met Dickey several times at Kelloggs functions he was always very happy and friendly to everyone. Your family should be proud of all his life’s accomplishments. He definely left a mark on so many people. May God bless you and help ease the loss.
God Bless,
Norm Heming

October 02, 2020

Sending my prayers and Condolences to Janet Simms and family 
Barbara Dupree

October 02, 2020

SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS I WILL KEEP YOUR FAMILY IN MY PRAYERS. 
BEATRICE PLOWDEN

October 02, 2020

To Mrs. Simms and family. I was saddened to hear the news of Judge Simms passing. I always enjoyed working in his MDJ office. We worked hard but we had fun too. He would play jazz in the office and we would discuss various artists. When he held court though it was all business. He really gave his full attention to the person before him but he was sympathetic to their situation and tried alternative methods to help them out not always a punishment. He was a great and respected man. He loved his family and spoke of you all often. May God give you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Bonnie Musser

October 01, 2020

So sorry for the loss of your Husband, your Father and your friend. May peace be with you all
Carolyn Sourbier-Gusic

October 01, 2020

Dear Janet and family, my heart-felt condolences for your loss. Words cannot make the pain go away. A sense of loss will always remain. Dickie is not gone as long as we remember him. I am thinking of you all at this difficult time when we must also realize that his time of pain and suffering is now over.
Cousin Leroy

October 01, 2020

Please accept my personal and family condolences.  Judge Sims served his community well!  His love for his family and community services he provided speaks well of his character.  He was a great man and Janet may you know I am here for you and your family.
Ann Louise Brown
 
 
 

October 01, 2020

My most sincere condolences to the family of Richard H. Simms, Sr.  I never got to meet this amazing man, but I have heard nothing but praise and appreciation for him and his many accomplishments in his life.  I do have the privilege and honor of working with one of his best accomplishments, his Son, Steve Simms, who is just a stellar individual.  May you all be at peace and may God heal your hearts and souls.  
Charles Coleman

October 01, 2020

My condolences to you and your family during this trying time. May the Lord wrap his loving arms around each and everyone of you ❤️❤️❤️
Louatha Lawson & family

October 01, 2020

My sincere condolences to Dick’s family and close friends! I worked with Dick way back in the mid 60’s at Alcoa, before he redirected his career path! I was fresh out of McCaskey, and he was one of my first true friends in the ‘working world’. He was always upbeat and positive and whenever our paths crossed in later years, that smile and warm attitude never changed! I’m truly sorry to read of his passing. Dick will always be smiling in my memories. Blessings to all of you who knew and loved him so. Eileen (Harrison) Flick

October 01, 2020

To Janet Simms and Family: My thoughts and prayers are with you as work through the recent passing of Dickie.   May God continue to overshadow yall with His love during this most challenging time. 
Your Friend in Christ:
Reverend Dawn Harmon

October 01, 2020

My thoughts are with your family….Reba was a long-time friend of my family.  I recently met Gerald Wilson…and I worked with Barbara Wilson at F&M.  Suzanne Farmer Campbell (daughter of Mary Sue Nissley Farmer).  

October 01, 2020

My condolences may peace&blessings be upon your family
Kyle B. Christian

October 01, 2020

May God bless you and Billy and your whole family in this time of sorrow.  It sounds like he was a great man.
Ken Davis

October 01, 2020

Our heartfelt condolences, It’s hard to lose someone who meant so much and even harder that we can’t all be together to say good-bye. We want you to know we’re with you in spirit—now and in the days and weeks ahead.
I wish I could be there to honor your dad along with you. He was a great man.
Stewart Dixon

October 01, 2020

MDJ Simms was truly a remarkable man. It was my honor and priviledge to have known and worked with him. He was a man of integrity and compassion who always kept his sense of humor, even in the midst of difficult situations. He could always be counted on, if needed. My sincere condolences to his family. He will be missed.
David L. Ashworth, President Judge

October 01, 2020

My condolence, I have know Mr Simms as a young teenager growing up in the city of Lancaster. Mr Simms is one of the reasons I chose to become a Police Officer.  Once on the Job Mr Simms taught me how to be a great police officer, be respectful and to remember to always give back to the community.  He was a great man and my mentor.  I will miss him.
Donnie Morant

October 01, 2020

Janet & family,
Dick was a very special man.  He was always a hard worker, and he really cared about his family and community.  My most sincere condolences to all of you.
Tanya West

October 01, 2020

Steve, it was my privilege and honor to have known your father, and I’m sad for your loss.
James W. Carnes

October 01, 2020

Mrs. Simms and Family, sorry for your loss.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless. RIP Judge Simms.  
Maribel and family. 

October 01, 2020

Worked with SGT SIMMS @LCPD.  He helped me in my hiring process.  Sorry for your loss, he will be missed. RIP
Ted MAKAUSKAS

September 30, 2020

 
I just wanted to express our condolences to the Simms family on the passing away of Richard “Dick” Simms.  Though he knew my Dad, Edward W. Allen, much better than me, he was always thought of as a man in the Lancaster community much concerned with our youth, prevention of crime, and first and foremost, as a public servant.  Our condolence to the Simms family on your loss.
Richard W. Allen
 
 
      

September 30, 2020

Such a special person who treated others with respect. Working with him on school truancy for many years was inspiring. May God grant all who where touched by him consolation. Will miss your smile Justice Simms.🙏🙏
Ramona Rivera Navedo

September 30, 2020

Janet and Family,
Our sincere condolences to you all. May God Comfort You at this time of grief. 
God Bless,
Randall and Suzanne Thomas 

September 30, 2020

So sorry for your loss sending Love, Respect and Prayers to the family, We have lost a great community person.
R.I.P.
Deborah E. Myers

September 30, 2020

My condolences to the Sims family.  I considered Dickey a friend from back in the late 60s.  He was a good guy and police 👮‍♀️ officer.  Rest In Peace Dickey 
Angie Crespo Glenn 

September 30, 2020

Janet and Family,
Our hearts are heavy with the passing of Dickie.  Our families have grown up together and you and Dickie always treated my family with love and kindness. I will miss Dickie’s laughter and great sense of humor.  He was always supportive of the community and loved his family!  Rest Dickie and rejoice in the Lord!
Our Lord never slumbers nor sleeps.  He is always aware of your circumstances and will help you focus on Him through all of the ups and downs of life.  The greatest hope we can find is in the Word of God.  I pray that God will fill you and the family with His joy and peace.  
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.  We love you!
Sonja Haywood,Aaron Sayles, Kyle and Tyler Haywood

September 30, 2020

Janet and Family,
I am so so sorry to hear of the passing of Judge. Your family and he were very special to me, he made me laugh all the time. One of my favorite memories is of his peppermint soda pop drinks he would make in the wee hours of the night at Magnolias for the staff. Or when he would stand there and tell me he wasn’t gonna do something that I should go ahead and do it or he would say yep I’m getting to it. He was one of a kind and very special.  Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. God bless him and all of you. 
Stephanie Bennecoff

Visitation
Friday, October 02, 2020
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
414 East King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
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Visitation
Saturday, October 03, 2020
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Bright Side Baptist Church
515 Hershey Ave.
Lancaster, PA 17603
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Services
Saturday, October 03, 2020
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Bright Side Baptist Church
515 Hershey Ave.
Lancaster, PA 17603
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