Daniel T. Sims

Daniel Tennant Sims, 81, of Bellefontaine, passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Ganzhorn Suites in Powell. He was born in Huntington, Indiana on July 14, 1943, to the late Kermit Clark and Nellie Ruth (Tennant) Sims. 

On December 7, 1969, he married Melanie Marie (Moss) Sims, who preceded him in death on August 1, 2010. Dan was also preceded in death by his brothers, Jerry E. Sims and Philip J. Sims, and sisters-in-law, Joyce Sims and Vicki Sims. 

He is survived by his daughters, Kerrie L. Hancock, Kristen M.T. (Matt) Frick, and Kathleen “Katie” M. (David) Smith; son, Kasey C. (Angel) Sims; grandchildren, Makayla, Caleb, Courtney, Lauren, Stephen, Xavier, Alexander, Ethan, and Noah; sister, Jean-Clare (Friedl) Bohm; brothers and sisters-in-law, Dr. John and Marcia Moss, Barbara and Scott Smith, Robert Moss; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Throughout their forty plus years of marriage, Dan and Melanie lived in Reading, Ohio, Graterford, Pennsylvania, and most recently Bellefontaine, Ohio. Dan graduated from Wapakoneta High School in 1961, the Ohio State University for his BA in 1965, then Michigan State University for his MA in 1969. Dan worked for the Department of Justice Bureau of Corrections from 1972-1979. Later that year, Dan changed his career direction by moving the family to Bellefontaine where he trained and eventually owned Sims & Huber Transfer and Storage which was started by his grandfather in 1916. 

Dan really enjoyed playing, coaching, and watching sports, specifically tennis and baseball, throughout his life. He loved the Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Browns, and Ohio State football. He was an avid reader, dedicated woodworker, competitive game player, and congregational chairperson for many years at Jubilee Mennonite Church. He and Melanie raised four children who blessed them with nine grandchildren. Family was the center of Dan’s legacy. He noted every visit and life experience for he treasured each one deeply. 

Pastor Bryan Meadows will officiate a funeral service at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 321 N. Main Street, Bellefontaine. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service from 2pm to 4pm at the funeral home. Private burial will take place in Zanesfield Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Capital City Hospice, c/o the Addus Hope Foundation, 2800 Corporate Exchange Drive, Suite 170, Columbus, OH 43231 or online at capitalcityhospice.com/donate

EICHHOLTZ DARING & SANFORD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTER, BELLEFONTAINE is honored to serve the Sims family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.

KVH