Don was born on September 13, 1950 to Gerald and Millie Simkins in Rockford, IL. They moved to Springfield, MO when he was a young boy. He graduated from Glendale High School in 1968. He attended MSU and Arkansas Tech.   On May 13,1972 he married Jo Ellen Shuler. Their family was the most treasured part of his life. He loved sports, particularly baseball. He played softball for many years. He found great joy in fishing from the time he was very young and passed on his love of the outdoors to his children and grandchildren. He was an avid gardener and grew the absolute best tomatoes. He adored his wife, Jo, and loved spending time with her. He especially enjoyed going to garage sales and searching for treasures for their flea market booths together. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. He loved to take them on trips, watch them play sports, and enthrall them with his stories.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years Jo, his son Brian Simkins and his wife Cheryl, his daughter Erin Gerhardt and her husband Jeff, grandchildren Mia Gerhardt, Maddux Simkins, Miles Gerhardt, Eleanor Gerhardt, Oakleigh Simkins, his mother Millie Simkins, sister Linda Simkins, and brother Mike Simkins.

We will miss him so, but he will suffer no more and that brings us peace until we meet again. Our strong faith in God has helped us through the darkest days we faced.

He fought a valiant battle against heart problems stemming from a childhood illness. In the past year he participated in a clinical trial at Barnes. He hoped to help others in his situation.  He never complained no matter how bad things got, but he made the decision clearly when he was done fighting the battle. He was the winner, and so were we who had him in our lives. His family thanks the fine doctors and nurses who have cared for him over the years and helped to give us more quality time with him particularly Dr Myears, Dr Lee and Dr.  Wiggins at home. Don and his family thought the world of Dr. Phillip Cuculich at Barnes and his excellent and caring team.  We also thank the family and friends who have been by our side throughout some of our most difficult times.

Don was a giver in every sense of the word. Prior to his death he asked that his heart be granted to Washington University for study due to his unique heart condition. He hoped with all of his very special heart that something could be learned from him that would help others in the future. He was always looking for ways to make a positive impact on the world. He also greatly wished to be an organ and tissue donor. He would be so happy to know that his tissues were gifted and will help many people.

Memorial service will be held 5:00 PM, Friday, April 28, 2017 with visitation to follow in Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel.

A memorial has been established in his name to fund research that was near and dear to Don and his family. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Washington University, Don Simkins Research Fund (please mention in memo section) to build innovative and pain free solutions to treating heart rhythm disorders, in care of Erica Lebo, Medical Alumni Development, 7425 Forsyth Blvd., St. Louis, Mo. 63105-2161.