Orville Kenneth Simms II also known as "Butch", 60, of Dunbar, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, April 13, 2013.

Born May 22, 1952, in Charleston, the only son of Orville Kenneth Simms and Lena Mae Moore Simms. He was preceded in death by his father, by his wife, Linda Gail Simms, and by their beloved pet, a medium sized, gentle, social, female sheepdog named HoneyBear.

Ken is survived by his mother; two sisters, Sherie L. Morris and her husband Rob Morris of Dunbar, Lisa Kay Simms of Springfield, KY; one niece, Rachel Collins and her twin daughters, three nephews; nephews, Zachary Collins and his daughter, Dustin Gross and his 2 daughters, and Nathan Gross-Harvey. He also leaves his constant companion, Oscar, a huge sheepdog who was by his side to the end. Charles Williams and his wife Barb of Follansbee, their daughter Christina Williams Ruschel and her husband Josh Ruschel of Weirton, were also family to Kenny, though not related by blood they were related and bonded by love.

Ken graduated from Dunbar Senior High School in 1970. Over the next 19 years, from 1970-1989 he moved to Washington DC and worked for a food delivery service, moved back to Dunbar less than a year later, got married and divorced, spent many years as Warehouse Manager for James Produce Co., then worked as Store Manager for a convenience store on Bridge Road until he had to be hospitalized for an infection in his left leg in July of 1989. He came close to losing his leg but the doctors were able to save it with much time, whirlpools, and skin grafts. While he was hospitalized he asked for a Pastor to come visit him and God sent Pastor John Mason to visit him. Pastor John was instrumental in leading Ken to salvation and a life dedicated to serving God.

He was released from the hospital in September of 1989 and started attending First Church United Methodist, now known as Dunbar United Methodist Church. Soon after, he felt the calling to become a Pastor and enrolled at West Virginia State College where he took 30 hrs. from 1990-1992, 20 hrs. at Duke Divinity Licensing School in 1991, and 30 hrs. at
Duke Divinity School in 1992. He went on to complete 120 hrs. at West Virginia Wesleyan from 1993-1996 and 130 hrs. at United Theological Seminary from 1996-2000. Over the past 20 years he served as Pastor at 6 different churches including, Otterbranch UMC, Christ UMC in Huntington, Volga UMC, Central UMC in Hamlin, Westover UMC and Follansbee UMC. He was a member of the Lions Club and founded the Bread from Heaven Food Pantry in Hamlin in 1996. He was also a member of the NRA and a supporter of the ASPCA.

In June 2011 Kenny lost his dear wife, Linda to liver disease and less than a year later was forced to take a leave from pastoring due to infection in a wound on the same leg he had almost lost in 1989. He subsequently did lose his left leg on June 1, 2011 and relocated to Dunbar with his faithful companion, Oscar, where he resided until his passing. Ken was an outstanding leader and spiritual advisor who positively impacted so many lives. As two of his closest friends, Brian and Angel Knutson of Weirton said, "He was a brave and cheerful warrior-poet, who wore the full armor of God with an enormous heart on his shield, a warm smile on his face, and a twinkle of fun-lovin' mischief in his eye." And that he offered ..."guidance, perspective and a little peace in my soul (and probably an off-color joke or two)." He was well known and much loved as a pastor for the United Methodist Church, as a loyal friend, and loving husband, son, brother and uncle. He will be dearly missed by many but none more than his family.

A visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, April 18 at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar, followed by a celebration of Ken's life at 4 p.m.

There will be no burial as Ken wished to be cremated.

Arrangements are in care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.