Charles “Chuck” Robert Simms II, 70, a resident of Salina, Kansas for many years and a resident of Littleton, CO of five years, passed away Sunday, December 6th, 2020. Chuck was born in Pratt, KS on November 23, 1950 a son of the late Charles Robert Simms I and Jocelyn J. Simms.

Chuck graduated from Salina Central High school, class of 1968 and attended Kansas State University in both Manhattan, Kansas and Salina as well as Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, while pursuing an Electrical Engineering degree. He worked for Union Pacific Railroad as a conductor/trainman for 41 years until retiring in 2011 & then subsequently moving to Littleton, Colorado in 2015. His nickname at the railroad was “Smiley” because he always had a smile on his face.

Chuck was an avid biker, biking across Kansas seven times accomplishing all routes both North, South and Central mapped routes starting at the Colorado state border ending at the Missouri state line, which included several 100-mile days. He enjoyed home brewing where he refined his concoctions to some delicious varieties of mead, lagers and IPAs including Pumpkin Pale Ale and Cherry Mash Mead, just to name a few. He loved music, hunting, fishing and all expressions of nature. Chuck was so happy living in Colorado where he enjoyed hiking in the Rocky Mountain National Park and living nearby in the beautiful foothills of the Colorado mountains, surrounded by animals and nature.

Chuck was a regular blood donor throughout much of his life. After his diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer’s in 2015, he continued to live openly about his diagnosis, always sharing and living his journey with grace. His love of his family, pets and community was always present and his kindness, smile and joy of life was contagious to all who met him. Through the local annual Denver Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Chuck’s team raised over a combined total of $15,000 the last three years, all of which goes directly towards research, support and family resources through the Alzheimer’s Association, a critical resource for all facing this disease. Chuck reminded us all that it’s all about the love.

Chuck leaves behind a loving family, Peggy Simms, wife of 49 years (Littleton, CO); son, Jamey Simms (Austin, TX); daughter, Jena Simms (Littleton, CO); pet dog, Harrison (Littleton, CO). Other remaining living family members include his brother, Shaun Simms (Salina, KS); sister-in-law, Julie Simms (Salina, KS); as well as many extended family including brother & sister in-laws, nieces and nephews whom he loved very much.

A Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 5, 2021. Interment will be at 1 p.m. in All Saints Catholic Cemetery. Dedication of a Sundial in Chuck’s memory will be at 3 p.m. at Rolling Hills Zoo. A social will follow from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Rolling Hills Zoo Conference Center.

Donations in Chuck’s honor can be made to Salina Animal Services and Rolling Hills Zoo.