A small framed building containing a small office, selection and preparation room, one hearse, one service car, one employee, and two men. This was the situation in May 1951, when Pete Sims Jr. of El Dorado, Arkansas, and Clarence Shaw of Lawton, Oklahoma, entered into a partnership and formed what was then called Sims-Shaw Mortuary.
Since that time, the business has grown tremendously, and several changes have been made, which set the stage for the fulfillment of the original ultimate goal to expose Union County and surrounding areas to a more dignified funeral service.
That small frame building, which accommodated all transactions, funeral arrangements, burial insurance, and all other secretarial functions, no longer exists. Instead, 432 Liberty Street is the sight of a modern establishment that has undergone three renovations over a period of twenty-two years.
The Sims-Shaw Burial Association, which was chartered in June of 1951, grew so rapidly that additional space was needed.
In 1959, the first change came: an insurance office was added, and a small chapel to accommodate thirty persons along with other equipment. The second change saw that the chapel be enlarged to double the seating capacity, separate restrooms for customer convenience, central heating and cooling, and carpeting.
The outside was made more attractive with the addition of buffed brick and two room apartments and awning over all entrances. With the present renovation, the building has been completely bricked, consisting of a large selection room displaying more than twenty caskets, a dressing room, a preparation room, individual parlors for family meditation, two private offices, an arrangement room, an insurance office, and an underground garage. The chapel has been moved from the west wing to the east wing and has been enlarged to accommodate one hundred fifty persons. Provisions have been made for ample off-street parking.
Our caring and compassionate staff consists of Robert Henderson, Owner, and Managing Funeral Director, Secretary-Treasurer of the Sims-Shaw Burial Association; Natashia Henderson Co-Owner, Funeral Director and president of the Sims-Shaw Burial Association; Isaac Henderson Jr., Administrative Assistant, Vice-President of the Sims-Shaw Burial Association, Rev.Barry Dobson, Funeral Director, Darryl Coleman, Funeral Director and Mortician, Martavious Carrigan, Apprentice Funeral Director, Cacita Jamerson, Apprentice Funeral Director, Angela Means, Apprentice Funeral Director, Harriett Burrell, Apprentice Funeral Director, John Elliott, Funeral Attendant, Jordan Askew, Apprentice Funeral Director. Doug Marsh, Funeral Attendant, Ricky Cunningham, Funeral Attendant,
In 1959, Pete Sims, Jr. became the sole owner, and the business was operated as a sole proprietorship until 1969 when it was incorporated as a Family Corporation with Pete Sims, Jr., Floyd S. Sims, Sears W. Sims, and Ella Louise Sims serving as the corporation's officers.
Over the past twenty-two years, Sims Mortuary has had an enormous amount of success. We feel that this growth is a sign of the public's endorsement of our dedicated service.
It is hoped that the improvements made in our facilities, along with administrative changes, will enhance our effectiveness as a service institution dedicated not only to our clientele but to the general public of El Dorado and surrounding areas. In 1973, Sims Mortuary, more than ever, took pride in being an exemplary service institution. We are proud to be able to serve the countless numbers who call upon us during their time of greatest need.
A great loss to our family establishment on February 12, 2012, Mr. Floyd Sims and his wife Alberta Sims were killed in an automobile accident.
On April 12, 2016, Mr. Sims was called home to be with the Lord
after a brief illness. Sims Mortuary was left to Felton Burgie and Barry Dobson as Owner/Operators. On October 14, 2016, Sims Mortuary was purchased by Robert Henderson.
Our sincere love and appreciation to Mr. Pete Sims, Jr. for all his hard work and dedication to the community and surrounding areas.
The Staff of Sims Mortuary will forever hold Mr. Pete Sims, Jr.
dear to their hearts. He will be missed!
