IN MEMORIAM: IBEW Local 1439’s Darrin L. Sims, Sr.

Darrin L. Sims, Sr., a 30-year member of IBEW 1439, passed away Aug. 26, 2021 at Christian Northeast Hospital. His wife, children, mother and siblings were there to say goodbye as he transitioned.

Brother Sims attended Normandy High School, where he played junior varsity and varsity for the Vikings before graduating in 1984. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church.

In 1986, he joined the U.S. Army, and shortly afterward, he married Stephanie Canterberry. His tour of duty included service overseas in Munich, Germany. He received a Good Conduct Medal, Expert Marksmanship Badge and several service medals. He was honorably discharged Dec. 20, 1989.

After returning home, Brother Sims began working at Ameren UE and received his journeymen’s certification as a meter reader among other awards and accolades. His marriage to Stephanie resulted in two children, Darrin Jr. and Sydney Nicole. They soon parted ways but remained friends. In 2015, he married Kim Wright and gained four step-children, Carcea, Christian, Alexander and Michael.

Brother Sims was loving, kind, mild-mannered, soft-spoken, humorous and very supportive to anyone. He enjoyed movies and loved to travel. He was known for always driving big trucks and his love for good music, specifically Motown classics. He loved his family and never missed a family event. He was a history buff and enjoyed sharing knowledge, especially about current events and war trivia, with whoever would listen.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Kim; his children, Darrin, Jr. (Chauncey) and Sydney; his mother, Rosalind; siblings Mark, Denise and Karen; step-children Carcea, Christian, Alexander and Michael; grandchild Emmett, Zora; step grandchildren Michael, Alexander, Markell and Aurora; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and additional family and friends who will miss his love and support.

A funeral service was held Sept. 8 at McClendon Mortuary and Cremation in Florissant followed by interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.