Kent Simms

Kent Simms, 70, of rural Palestine, IL, passed away surrounded by the love of his family on September 28, 2025, at Union Hospital in Terre Haute, IN. He was born on January 25, 1955, in Lawrenceville, alongside his twin sister Laura, and grew up in Palestine. As a kid, he and his friends tinkered with engines of all kinds, and he carried that love of all things mechanical throughout his life. After graduating from Palestine High School in 1973, Kent went on to Vincennes University, where he studied Aerospace Mechanics. After graduating in 1975, he began his career at the Marathon refinery, starting as a truck driver before working his way up to the role of lab foreman. After thirty years of service, he retired in 2005, though "retirement" didn't slow him down. He continued working for the Holscher family on their farm, which quickly became more than just a job, and where coworkers turned into friends who felt like family.

Kent was a hard worker, yes, but also a man who loved life. He logged countless miles across the US and Canada on his motorcycle, often with good friends riding alongside him. The highlight of their rides was a trip to Alaska and back, which always remained a favorite. Just as friendship was a constant in his life, so was music. The two came together when he became a founding member of the Palestine Alumni Band. What he cherished most about the band was not the music, but the friendships it fostered, the kind of relationships he valued throughout his 70 years.

That same heart carried into the way he loved his family. His kids turned to him for advice, for a listening ear, and for help fixing whatever was broken. His grandkids knew him as "Gramps," the one who made campfires special with s'mores and who always had candy waiting for them at Halloween. More than the treats, though, they will remember the time he made for them and the memories they created together. Those moments are the treasures that remain.

He is survived by his children, Robert Simms & Emma Malin (Palestine, IL), and Ruth Ann & Russell Meskimen (Robinson, IL); by his grandchildren, Jabali Thomas Simms, Kendall Grace Meskimen, Parker Thomas Meskimen, and Bryonna Dyleen Meskimen; by his sister, Laura Brashear (Terre Haute, IN); as well as several cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles & Mary Ann (Lewis) Simms, and his brother-in-law, Melvin Brashear.

A family-guided memorial will be held at a later date. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine is assisting the family at this time.