Dee and Paula Sims

Dee Sims, 83, born Lewis Lea McKenzie on January 18, 1943, in Fort Stockton, Texas, passed away at his home in Frost, Texas, on May 13, 2026. Paula Dee Moorman Sims, 75, of Wall, Texas, born February 9, 1951, to James Dudley Moorman and Elsie Corine Smith Moorman, passed away at their home in Frost, Texas, on May 17, 2026. Together they shared a life built on faithfulness, family, aviation, farming, and an unwavering commitment to one another all the way to the end.

At just three years old, Dee experienced the loss of his mother, Mary Lou Sims McKenzie, who passed away while giving birth to a younger sibling. He was lovingly raised by his grandparents, Henry Roy Sims and Twylah Capps Sims, whom he called Mom and Dad for the rest of his life.

After flying with his father, Dee’s passion for aviation began early. At the age of 12, he climbed into a plane while his parents were away and took off on his own. When they returned, they found him circling the landing strip trying to land. With calm instruction over a two-way radio, his father talked him down, and Dee landed the airplane perfectly—beginning a lifelong love of flying that would shape much of his future.

Dee became an aerial applicator and a farmer, dedicating more than 50 years to the profession he loved. Alongside him every step of the way was Paula, the heart behind the business operations and the steady force that helped build Three Rivers Flying Service into a successful family business. Paula also shared Dee’s love for aviation and learned to fly early in their marriage.

In 1974, Dee and Paula married and spent 52 years building a life together centered around hard work, devotion, family, and partnership. Paula was Dee’s biggest fan and the protector of his heart, while Dee was deeply kind, fiercely loving of Paula, and often the calm to her storm. Together they raised their children, built businesses, and created a home grounded in love and loyalty.

Dee and Paula are survived by their children: Tamara Delz of Marble Falls, Texas; Monte Sims of San Angelo, Texas; Marla Gilmore and husband Scott Gilmore of Shallowater, Texas; Shelli Carter and husband Sean Carter of San Angelo, Texas; and Janice Elmore and husband Joel Elmore of Frost, Texas. Together they were blessed with multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

They are also survived by Paula’s brother, Mark Moorman and wife Julie of San Angelo, Texas; Dee’s brother, Rex McKenzie and wife Mary; and his sisters, Linda Webb of Bakersville, Texas, and Jody Ozier and husband Mike of New Braunfels, Texas.

Dee and Paula were preceded in death by their parents, Roy Neal McKenzie and Mary Lou Sims McKenzie, James Dudley Moorman and Elsie Corine Smith Moorman, and the parents who raised Dee, Henry Roy Sims and Twylah Capps Sims; Dee’s brother, Ellis Neal McKenzie; Dee’s sister, Marilyn Gladson and husband Norman Gladson; Dee’s brother-in-law, Ben Webb; along with numerous beloved family members and friends who welcomed them home.

Dee and Paula spent most of their lives in San Angelo, Texas, where they were members of Calvary Baptist Church, before spending their final years together in Frost, Texas. They will be remembered for their strength, adventurous spirit, unmatched work ethic, and the deep love and loyalty they shared with each other.

A graveside service for Dee and Paula Sims will be held Friday, May 22, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Fairmount Cemetery in San Angelo, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, condolences may be sent to:

Jan Elmore17300 NW CR 4110Frost, Texas 76641