Hershal O. Sims obituary

Hershal O. Sims of Waldron, Arkansas, passed away Aug. 11, 2025, at the age of 94. He was born May 14, 1931, in Heavener, the fourth of six children, to Elmo and Bertha Sims. The family was rich in their love for each other and their love for God.

Growing up, Hershal spent his adolescent life helping his father and brother, Lloyd, raise cattle and went with his family for several years to California as migrant workers. During the later school years, he was active in FFA, raising animals to sell to help his family. He was also a skilled woodworker in his classes at school.

After graduation, he and Atha Mathews from Heavener were married July 8, 1950, at the Waldron courthouse. After working in the oilfields for a brief period, they returned to Heavener where Hershal became the youngest manager of the local Long Bell Lumber Company. Daughters Pam and Diana were born in Heavener. The family moved to Wichita, Kansas, when Hershal was transferred as manager to the Wichita Long Bell store. Hershal was later transferred as manager to McAlester, where son, Hershal E. (Bud), was born. Rather than be transferred again as manager at a new location, Hershal and Atha decided to return closer to home and start their own business. Hershal went to Waldron, Arkansas, to find a location to start a business. He rented the old creamery, where their business is still located, and over several months, began forming Sims Building Materials. The family followed in 1962 when Sims Building Materials officially opened and son, James (Jamie), was born.

Over the past 63 years, Hershal has been instrumental in the development of Waldron. Hershal served as Mayor of Waldron from 1967 to 1975 implementing many much-needed improvements to the city including annexations, acquiring the airport, paving streets, and laying new water lines.

Hershal was a charter member of the Lions Club in McAlester. He achieved the distinction of 32nd degree Mason with a 50-year membership to the Heavener Lodge. He helped establish the Gideon Camp in Waldron where he served in various positions for over 40 years,

Hershal was ordained as a Deacon in 1954 at Independence Baptist Church in Heavener. He served in many roles in the churches he attended through the years. He was an active member for 63 years in the First Baptist Church 0f Waldron, where he was a Deacon and taught Sunday School.

Hershal always said his financial and personal success was attributed to God. He served the Lord willingly and faithfully. He loved his family fiercely and served as an example to them by the life he lived.

Hershal is survived by his wife of 75 years, Atha Sims; children Pam Butler (Randy), Diana Sims, Bud Sims (Shelley) and Jamie Sims (Tammy); grandchildren Lara Bench (BJ), Jenny Butler, Angela Schnabel (David), Kevin Payne, Jason Sims (Abi), Nathan Sims (Lauren), Aaron Sims (Kelsie), Andrea Sims and Ashley Sims; and great-grandchildren Madi and Katie Bench, Cali and Rylee Sims, Georgia Sims, Kynslie and Everett Sims who all love him dearly and are thankful to have had him in their lives. He is also survived by his sisters, Patsy Elder and Glenda Elder, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Elmo and Bertha Victor Sims, his best friend and brother, Lloyd, and his two sisters, Verna Blackwell and Gracie Crownover.

His celebration of life services were Saturday at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron. Burial followed at the Square Rock Cemetery north of Waldron on Hwy 71.

Pallbearers were the grandchildren. Honorary pallbearers were the Gideons of the Waldron camp.

You may honor Hershal’s life with the purchase of Gideon Bibles. Memorial cards are available from any Gideon, at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home, and online at https://Gideons.org.