David Eugene Sims

David Eugene Sims passed away peacefully on July 8, 2024, at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy of love, generosity, and willingness to always lend a hand. He was a man of many talents and wore many hats throughout his life.

David was blessed with a beautiful wife, Mary Martinez Sims, with whom he shared 68 years of marriage. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.

 David was the father of two daughters, Gracia Sims Montoya and Ruby Sims Cowgill, and a supportive father-in-law to Mark Cowgill. He was also the proud grandfather of Charisse Montoya, her husband Robert Thomason, Alysha Cowgill, and Jett Cowgill. His great-grandson, Alysha’s son, Trevor Flanagan, adored him. Family was his greatest joy and he always made time to help them, as he loved all them deeply. 

He was happiest when he had a job to do, and everyone knew they could count on him to make everything better. He spent many hours helping his in-laws, Irene and Juan Lino Martinez, on their ranch in Gobernador. If David built it, it was built to last.

 A proud Korean War veteran, David served his country with honor. He also, worked on the Navajo Dam Irrigation Project for the Bureau of Reclamation at the start and retired upon its completion.

 David has been a dedicated Catholic, at a young age he attended Saint Rose in Blanco NM. It was important to his devoted Catholic Maternal Grandparents Doreteo and Ruben Ullibarri whom he was lovingly raised by and continued to care for until their passing.

 He and Mary were active members of Sacred Heart Church in Farmington and Saint Mary’s in Bloomfield. Him and Mary were involved in every way. David especially enjoyed the construction projects for the church. When he got older, he and Mary enjoyed hosting adoration until they were unable to do so.

 His passion was ranching and raising Limousine Cattle. He enjoyed being a rancher, embracing the rugged lifestyle and strong work ethic that defined him. He was respected by his community for his hard work and integrity. To his grandkids he was known as a tough cowboy, even greater man and the best grandpa in the world. We all remember branding cattle with him, getting to name the bulls, and learning to drive his orange truck as he threw hay bales off the back. David also made many friends through the Elks Lodge, playing baseball, and joining a bowling league (even though Mary was the better bowler).

David will be remembered for his kind and gentle character, dedication to his family and for his determination to figure things out, making them better. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

 Join us for a funeral mass at Saint Mary’s in Farmington on August 10th at 11:00 am. To honor David's memory, we invite you to visit Mary at her residence and she loves flowers and cake.

 For condolences or to share a fun story about David, email the family at davidmarysims@gmail.com. They would love to hear your stories.