Thomas F. Simms

Thomas Franklin Simms was born in Vinita Oklahoma on February 27, 1933. He lived with his grandmother in Welch, Oklahoma and attended high school there. After high school, he joined the Navy and served from 1952-1956. He was an aircraft mechanic on the aircraft carrier Boedong Strait. He was present at the H bomb tests on Bikini Atoll. After the Navy he was married to Bonnie Hubbell on November 23, 1956. He attended Kansas State University and obtained bachelor’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Business. He worked for the Bureau of Reclamation for his entire career, installing and inspecting hydroelectric turbines. He worked on the Yellowtail Dam in Montana and the third power plant in Grand Coulee Washington. He then worked at the Federal Center office until retirement. After retirement he consulted on projects in Puerto Rico and locations around the United States. Tom was a proud voting member of the Cherokee Tribe. He had two daughters, Traci Simms and Becky Perez. He was very proud of his four grandchildren, Ben, Celeste, Kylie and Paige. He died in his home on November 19, 2017 cared for by his wife and daughters. Donations may be made in Tom’s name to the Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls and Toys, 1880 North Gaylord Street, Denver, Colorado 80206 and The Action Center, 8755 West 14th Avenue, Lakewood, Colorado 80215.