Delbert Henry Simms

On Palm Sunday April 12, 1954, God granted the world a force called Delbert Henry Simms. Delbert was the second born to the loving union of Prentice Simms and Lillian Lee Simms. He grew up in Wichita Falls Tx attending Booker T. Washington schools as well as Hirschi High school after desegregation. It was in Wichita Falls where he met the woman who would later become his “rider”. He married Shirley Evon Calhoun on July 14, 1973.

After getting married and giving birth to their firstborn daughter, Delbert and his bride moved to Waco so he could learn the trade suggested for his personality, Auto Body Technician. This would be his life’s work. And work he did! Delbert spent his early years working for Maaco and Earl Schieb in both Dallas and Washington DC. However, he was an entrepreneur at heart and almost always worked for himself. He loved turning hoopties into classics and customs. He worked the exterior while Shirley worked the interior. Delbert painted cars that, without his knowledge, appeared in music videos and low rider magazines. While living in San Antonio he painted a horse drawn carriage that was featured in the movie Cloak and Dagger. He loved the art of paint and made sure he taught his daughters, nieces and nephews to pull dents, tape and sand cars. Delbert was known to spend his days and nights in the shop catching only the occasional wink. His children often joked that his epitaph would read “He’s resting now!”.

Delbert had praying parents who trained him up in the ways of the Lord, and though he wandered, God’s promise was fulfilled when Delbert made a decision to live for Christ. He often shared the story of how he was delivered from smoking and drinking after he went to church and asked the Pastor to pray for him. He was standing in his shop, ready to light up a cigarette when a cool breeze blew through the building. He was delivered at that moment and never smoked or drank again. That was over 36 years ago.

Delbert promised the Lord that he would make sure his family knew God and he held fast to that promise. He was a man whose very essence was rooted in the scripture. His mother would often quote scripture telling him “Out of all your getting, get an understanding!”. This became of many mantras that he would pass along to everyone he encountered. If you knew him well or spent more than a few minutes with him, you would hear about the Lord. Delbert was not afraid to offend anyone with the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was very passionate about the things of God, his family, and the people of God.

Giving was his passion. Even out of his need, Delbert would sponsor children through child sponsorship programs and was known to regularly donate to multiple ministries because he wanted to help spread the word of God. Referencing the story of Lazarus in the Bible Delbert always said, “We are the rich man!” so he was always careful to share everything he had. He was known for welcoming anyone who needed a place to lay their heads into his home despite any financial hardship he might have encountered. He trusted God for everything always proclaiming that “God is the provider ‘round here!”. His door was open to anyone in need with the understanding that you would attend Bible study. Regular, mostly nightly, Bible study! His family was accustomed to this practice and those who stayed in their home throughout the years quickly fell in line. Whether they liked it or not. Every day before he left his home, Delbert would get down on both knees and pray. He would give thanks to God for the day, ask for God’s grace and mercy, and most recently he would regularly pray for the peace of Israel.

Outside of God, family and work Delbert did have a few other passions. He was an avid body builder, and it was not uncommon for him to spend six hours in the gym lifting weights. He also loved his family farm in Flatonia, TX. Delbert spent a great deal of time with his grandfather there as a small child. When he wanted to meet with God alone, this is where he would go. His dream was to farm that land just as his grandfather did and the time of his passing, he was working toward that goal. He also loved to cook so Shirley was able to get a night or two off during the week while he tried new recipes from his vast collection of cookbooks. Delbert even opened a drive-up restaurant for his family in Wichita Falls at one point. Many people do not know that he was bilingual and spoke fluent Spanish. Having all daughters, Delbert was a protector and made sure that he taught his wife and daughters how to defend themselves. He taught them how to handle guns, knives, sling shots, bows and arrows and enrolled them in various martial arts and boxing classes.

Delbert was a faithful member of Champion Forest Baptist Church. He found a wonderful home with his Life Group – Designs for Discipleship. He even had the awesome privilege of teaching the class on one occasion. Delbert always bragged about his pastor who had previously preached in the Bonton projects in Dallas, a place he wouldn’t even dare go. To him, this meant that Pastor Jarrett had a real heart for people, and he greatly admired that characteristic.

Delbert led a life that was completely God-Centric. In doing so he left a model behind for his family and all who encountered him along his journey. He will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents Prentice and Lillian Simms; his brother Prentice Lee Simms; his grandsons Eschlaun Delbert Henry Hall and Charmarcus Jabbert LaCarl Chiles; and his son-in-law Timothy Miles. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of over 51 years Shirley Simms; Children LaTosha Miles, Quandra Newsome (Anthony), Qunikwa Simms, Skye Simms, Umiayiah Bobo and Tarrick Hill; Sister Lillian Neely, Brother Byron Simms (Christine); 12 Grandchildren and 8 Great Grandchildren.

A visitation for Delbert will be held Thursday, June 26, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Paradise Funeral Home, Inc, 10401 West Montgomery, Houston, TX 77088. A visitation will be held Friday, June 27, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Champion Forest Baptist Church - Champions Campus, 15555 Stuebner Airline Rd, Houston, TX 77069. The funeral will immediately follow from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

A visitation will be held Saturday, June 28, 2025 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Pilgrim's Rest Baptist Church, 513 Fort Worth St, Wichita Falls, TX 76301. The celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 28, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Pilgrim's Rest Baptist Church, 513 Fort Worth St, Wichita Falls, TX 76301. An interment will be held Saturday, June 28, 2025 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Lakeview Cemetery, 4300 Southwest Pkwy, Wichita Falls, TX 76308.