Kent Sims

Joe Kent Sims, 64, of Booker died suddenly on Saturday, January 2, 2021 in Booker.

Graveside services will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at Mobeetie Cemetery with Blake Terrell and Tam McGee, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors. Kent will lie in state at Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors of Canadian, from 11:00 AM Tuesday, January 5, 2021 until service time.

Mr. Sims was born on May 30, 1956 in Hereford and was the only son of Wilbur and Anna Lee Sims. Kent spent his younger years in Friona. He later moved to Mobeetie where he graduated as Salutatorian of Mobeetie High School in 1974. Kent married Carla Sue Ridgway in Pampa in 1976. At the time of his death, he was a Division Superintendent for Unit Petroleum, working there for almost 37 years.

Kent devoted his life to his family and his community. He loved attending all his grandsons’ activities and never hesitated to step in to help wherever he was needed. Kent served as fire chief for the volunteer fire department and later as school board president. Education was especially important to him and he devoted countless hours advocating for the students of Booker ISD in that role.

Kent was an avid hunter and barbeque enthusiast. He enjoyed making all sorts of items on his smoker and sharing them with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Anna Lee and his infant son, Derek.

Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Carla; two daughters, Bridgett Sims of Weatherford, Oklahoma and Sarah Kester and husband Shane of Weatherford, Texas; two grandsons, Cole Kester and Grant Kester; a beloved dog, Ned; and a host of friends and colleagues.

Memorials may be made to the Kiowa Pride Academic Scholarship, c/o Booker High School, P.O. Box 288, Booker, Texas, 79005.