Lawrence Sims

Lawrence “Larry” H. Sims, age 77, of Saginaw, passed peacefully in Northern Michigan on Sunday, July 12, 2026, after a long illness with dementia.  He is survived by his loving wife, Linda, of 39 years and a son, Alexander Sims; along with his brother, G. Reynolds Sims; and sister, Virginia L. Huard, and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was born July 13, 1948, in Ottawa, Illinois.  His parents, George R. and Chloris A. (Smith) Sims predeceased him.

Larry lived most of his life in Saginaw, Michigan and was a proud graduate of Michigan State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1971.  He married Linda Lein on July 27, 1987. He and his wife purchased a lovely home on Burt Lake in 2000 and have enjoyed countless boating, skiing, snowmobiling and golfing with family and friends over the past 26 years.  Larry loved to travel and photograph animals in the wild with memorable trips to Africa and India.  Early in their marriage, Larry and Linda enjoyed scuba diving trips to Grand Cayman, the Virgin Islands, Mexico and Barbados.

Larry spent most of his career in the insurance business both at Blanchet Weadock and later Saginaw Bay Underwriters.  After spending numerous years as a volunteer and board member, Larry was proud to serve as the CEO of the United Way of Saginaw County from 2015 until his retirement in 2019.

Community service was a cornerstone in Larry’s life.  He was honored to serve on many boards during his lifetime including chairing the Saginaw General Hospital board and later Covenant Healthcare, the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce and the United Way of Saginaw County along with chairing the Michigan State University National Alumni Association board and the Saginaw County Republican Party.   He and former Saginaw City Manager, Joyce Parker, founded the Bridge Center for Racial Harmony in 1995.  Larry ran for Congress in 1996 and supported many political candidates during his lifetime.

Larry was the recipient of numerous awards during his lifetime including the Chamber of Commerce’s Community Impact Award in 2017, Spirit of Saginaw Award in 1995 and the Harry S. Lund Volunteer of the Year Award in 2006 from the United Way. 

Those who wish to express their support may make a donation in Larry’s name to the United Way of Saginaw County, www.unitedwaysaginaw.org, Covenant Healthcare Foundation, www.covenanthealthcare.com/ch/main-donatenow, or to Michigan State University through the Lawrence H. and Linda L. Sims Endowment for Internships in Economics, https://give.msu.edu/?sid=21133

A celebration of Larry’s life will take place on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. with a formal time of remembrance at noon and time of fellowship to follow at Apple Mountain, 4519 North River Road, Freeland, Michigan 48623.

For information, please contact Deisler Funeral Home at (989) 799-1151. To express your condolences and share memories with the family, please visit www.deislerfuneralhome.com.