Rodney “Rod” E. Simkins, 80, of Galesburg, formerly of Cottonwood, CA, died at 5:32 a.m. Friday, October 30, 2020 Seminary Manor, Galesburg.
Rod was born on August 26, 1940, the son of Kenneth L. and Mary E. (Holloway) Simkins. He was reared and educated in Abingdon. Rod married Darlene Ketner in 1971 in Las Vegas, NV. She preceded him in death in 2009. Rod is survived by one daughter, Ronda (Chad) Chamberlain of Galesburg; two grandchildren, Nicole (Armando) Vasquez and Jordan (Monika Kujawa) Britton; and three great grandchildren, Ava German, Fallon Rippstein, and Collin Britton. Rod is also survived by one sister, Cathy Powers of Texas; a very close nephew, Kenny (Caín Andrade) Simkins, two additional nephews, one niece and several great-nieces and nephews. Along with his wife and parents Rod was preceded in death by one son, Rodney Hartzell; and one sister, Sharon Train.
Rod enlisted in the US Army on January 16, 1961 and was honorably discharged on January 15, 1964. He then worked as a mechanic at various Chevrolet dealerships for many years prior to going to work for the Shasta Co. Fairgrounds in California in 1988. He eventually became the maintenance supervisor, a position he held until his retirement. After retirement, Rod spent several years wintering in Alamo, TX. In his younger years Rod was an avid motorcycle racer. He had a love for cars his entire life, owning and restoring many old cars, eventually owning his dream car a ’34 Chevrolet coupe. Rod had a great sense of humor and loved to joke with people. He enjoyed watching old westerns on television. Rod created lifetime friendships with his close buddies, Mike Henry, Dick Herslow, Kenny Allison, and John Stout.
Cremation will be accorded. No services are planned. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
