Donald Lynn Sims

Donald L. Sims of Elgin (known affectionately to his friends and family as ‘Doni’), age 69, passed peacefully at home, May 22, 2018, surrounded by family.

He is survived by his loving wife Bonnie, adoring children Slade, Lee & Dana, brothers Butch & Johnny Sims, sister Sally Sims, sister-in-law Lisa Hughes, son-in-law Bret Hinson, daughter-in-law Nikki Lannen, grandchildren Kourtney, Kayla and husband Andy, Vaughn, Gannen, Kade & Nova, and great-grandchildren Liliana & Lane.

Doni was born on August 1, 1948 in Kenedy, TX to Claud Dalmon and Dorris Sims.  He is a graduate of Kenedy H. S. and The University of TX from which he received a BA in History.

Doni started working at the age of 10 in Tia Juana, Venezuela when he and his brother Johnny stood on empty Coke crates to sell popcorn at the night theater from the machine their father bought. He was a third generation restauranteur who worked at his family’s Double S Restaurant in Kenedy, TX and then at various restaurants in the Austin area, including as manager of the Tower Restaurant and eventually owning and operating his own establishment, The Viking House Restaurant, in Austin, TX.  He authored two cookbooks full of his own recipes (including his own BBQ sauce) and those of family and friends; though, for some recipes, he cautioned, “I wouldn’t eat this.”

He joined the staff of the Texas Commission for the Blind in 1981 and was known for providing excellent service to consumers whether they be blind persons or the agency staff who served them.  He worked tirelessly in support of consumers and families, and served as an exceptional mentor and role model for countless agency staff members.

In the mid-80s, Doni helped found the legendary ‘Men of the Woods’, a dubious amalgamation of would-be hunters and camp gatherers.  He was the undisputed leader of the whole rough lot and often led the troops on their hysterical, occasionally meaningful, adventures.

In the 90s, Doni co-organized SWAB, a group of primarily social services staff, who played, socialized, managed stress, supported each other, and brightened many a location with good humor and love.

In 2013, Doni wrote the “Donald L. Sims Policies and Procedures” when he worked as a contractor to the State.  His Mission Statement: Be Kind to the Blind.  His Vision Statement: Fried chicken on every table and a 12 pack of Pearl Light in every refrigerator.  Cigarettes are optional.  His Work Philosophy: Every day that you are allowed to wake up in good health you have an obligation to go out into this world and do something extra to make it better.

Above all, Doni was supportive, loving and helpful to his cadre of friends and family.  He never failed to come to the aid of friends or family and was often the integrating force who brought and held everyone together.

He always gave generously, not only material things, but also his time and encouragement.  Whether it was instructing an elderly blind consumer to cook safely, teaching a friend or colleague to fish, or giving advice to his children and loved ones, his down-to-earth approach and practical knowledge were given with love and no expectation of reciprocation.

He will be remembered fondly as the guy who opened conversations with an infectious laugh, who told the most entertaining stories, who played legendary practical jokes, who delivered homemade sugar cookies around Elgin every Christmas, who lived life to the fullest and encouraged all around him to do the same.

The family wishes to give their sincere and special thanks to the many nurses and doctors from Seton Medical Center and Hospice Austin. Memorial contributions can be made to Austin Lighthouse (Travis Association for the Blind) < http://www.austinlighthouse.org/communit.htm > or a charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Doni’s Life will be held at the family home located at 404 Old Sayers Rd. in Elgin, TX on Saturday, May 26th at 2pm.,”Guests are invited to bring a dish and BYOB.”