John Simkins - Obituary

ohn V. Simkins, 63, a 5-year resident of Stevensville and previously of Bowie, MD, died on February 7, 2011 at his home following a 5-month battle with lung cancer. He was born on March 3, 1947 in Washington, DC and was a truck mechanic most of his life. A fireman at heart, John was a former member of the Volunteer Fire Departments in Old Bowie (Co. 19), Lanham (Co. 28), Silver Hill (Co. 29) and West Lanham (Co. 48). Most recently, he was a member of the United Communities VFD Co. 9. John was a true mechanic who could fix almost anything and especially enjoyed tinkering with motors. He also enjoyed gardening and, most of all, spending time with his grandchildren. John is survived by his wife of almost 45 year, Betty F. Simkins; two children, Faye DuPuis of Edgewater, MD and Charlie Simkins of Henderson, MD ; his mother, Hilda Simkins and brother, Robert Simkins both of Pittsville, MD; son-in-law, Keith DuPuis of Edgewater and daughter-in-law, Jamie Simkins of Henderson, MD; also survived by four grandchildren, Tabytha J. Simkins, John A. Simkins, Shelby Fay DuPuis and Jessica Lynn Simkins. Friends are invited to John’s Life Celebration on Thursday, February 10, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD where funeral service will be held on Friday, February 11 at 1 p.m. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Anne Arundel Medical Center Foundation, 2002 Medical Parkway, Suite 240, Annapolis, MD 21401 or the American Cancer Society, 1041 Route 3 North, Bldg A, Gambrills, MD 21054.