Thomas E Simms, age 82, passed 01/16/2021.

He had advanced dementia and was in the New Mexico State Veteran’s Home in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. He contracted COVID and had recovered, but his dementia caused him to stop eating. He passed in his sleep on Saturday January 16, 2021. Per his wishes, we have cremated his remains and will lay him to rest at the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Sicangu Akicita Owicahe Tribal Veterans Cemetery near Mission, South Dakota at a later date.

Tom is a Veteran of the United States Army. The rank he left the service with was rank SGT E-7 of the 101st Airborne 506th Infantry, and was honorably discharged in August 1965. His major courses/training was Basic Airborne, Advanced Airborne and advanced Infantry Ranger School. He received many awards for rifle competition and received the Gold Rifle Master Badge and many other awards.

After his service he came back to the United States and attended college and received his Bachelor’s degree at California State University, Long Beach. His Master’s degree from DQ University in Davis, CA. His PhD at Sinte Gleska in Rosebud, South Dakota. His work focused on Native American Studies.

Tom began his teaching career in California and later moved to Cheyenne River in South Dakota. He was recruited by Stanley Red Bird and Ben Black Bear Jr. to teach at Sinte Gleska and he agreed. Stanly Red Bird and many, many others became his mentors and teachers. Tom learned much from the Lakota Elders in the 1970’s which he carried throughout his life. Tom loved the Lakota culture and dedicated his life to passing on the traditions that he learned. There are countless stories to tell and I hope people leave their stories for us to read. One of Tom’s greatest pride was his Lakota Medicine Man’s Association membership card which he carried through his life. Tom met his future wife Vera Stranger Horse in Rosebud and had two children, Kimimila and Daniel.

We all moved to Sacramento, CA where Tom taught at DQ and Vera attended courses. He also taught at Sacramento City College and California State University, Sacramento.

In later years Tom, Vera and Danny moved to the Navajo Reservation. They moved to Tohatchi outside of Gallup, NM where Tom taught at Tohatchi High School as a history Teacher.

He retired in 2008 from the public school system and Tom and Vera moved South of Gallup next to his daughter and grandchildren. Where he and Vera spent the remainder of his years in Vanderwagen, New Mexico.

Tom took up teaching at the University of New Mexico- Gallup branch and taught part time on and off until 2014 teaching various topics relating the Native American Studies. 

He taught for 45 years before retiring. 

He was a person you wouldn't forget if you met him, he loved teaching, painting, gardening, wrote two Lakota children's books. He was a Lakota Sundancer and Pipe carrier and he loved his family. In retirement years he took care of my mom, the garden, fed the birds and loved his cats and spending time with family.  

He was married to his wife, Vera Simms for 44 years. He is survived by his wife, two children Kimimila and Daniel, two grandchildren Julia and William. His brother, Daniel and his wife Samira and their two children Navine and Shahla.  I know I missed a lot and this is where I would like to hear from you all to share stories and pictures. I know he loved to talk and share stories and learn. Please share what you can, all is appreciated. We love you Tom Simms

• Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ. Mitákuyepi Blihíč'iya Po ( My relatives gather your strength, to brace one’s energy, to take courage, do one’s best, renew one’s strength to keep going)