Roy Dale Shimer

April 2, 1937 -- May 21, 2023

Roy was a native Iowan and born in Ames, Iowa, April 2nd, 1937. He was the youngest of four children. At birth he weighed only three pounds and could fit into a shoebox. He grew up in Nevada, Iowa, a small town of about 5,000 people. He started working at the age of 10 for 10 cents an hour to help support his family.

Roy’s mother was a strong influence in his attending Sunday School and Church weekly, and Roy’s faith was strong. He went through Christian instruction, was baptized, and became a member of the Methodist church in Nevada when he was 11. While in High School, the minister encouraged him to go into the ministry. He attended Boy Scouts, obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout, and earning the God and Country award.

Roy started Simpson College, in Indianola, Iowa in 1955 as pre-theological. He obtained a lay minister license and preached to small country churches in his junior year. When serving these churches, he decided that speaking was not one of his gifts and chose to go into business. He graduated in 3 ½ years from Simpson with a Bachelors of Arts degree. While at Simpson, he met and married his wife, Carolyn, June 14, 1959. Soon after marriage, he spent 6 months in active duty in the Army. Upon returning, he continued to serve in the active reserves for 5 ½ years. He was also a new dad, working full time, and going to night school at Drake University for a Master of Arts in Business. Roy’s business career was working in financial investments for Equitable of Iowa and Lincoln Financial in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.

Roy and Carolyn raised two children, Debra and Tom in Indianola, Iowa. While his family was young, he was an active member of First Baptist Church and held several positions there, including Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Moderator, Deacon, and Home Group Leader.

Roy has always loved reading and usually had a book in his hands or nearby. He especially liked reading non-fiction and many Christian authors. He also greatly enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Gardening was one of his hobbies, and he especially liked his rose bushes. When they were blooming, he would take roses inside to Carolyn daily.

Roy refers to his growth in Christ as more like Timothy – gradual but genuine.

In Roy’s words:

“I have read through the Bible several times and have daily devotions. I try to live the Christian Life. God is the very essence of my life and my number one priority. He has been my support and has sustained me even when I acted like I shouldn’t have. He gives me strength to carry on. I am still learning to live as God would desire. It is a life long process. I have not finished the race but continue toward the higher calling of Christ. I thank God daily for his plan of salvation and God’s gift of Jesus Christ. Without Christ, I am nothing.”

Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Bertha Shimer; his in-laws, Tommie and Evelyn Silcott; and his brothers, Merlin and George Shimer.

Left to grieve are Carolyn, his wife of 64 years; his daughter Debra Lanning (Doug); his son Tom Shimer (Jana); his sister Grace Sunnes; his grandchildren Craig Lanning, Jason Lanning, and Brenna Lanning; extended family and numerous friends.

Roy was not a talkative man, but he left a big impact on those around him. He always had a joke to share with his friends, a listening ear, or words of wisdom for those who needed comfort. He was always giving of himself and thinking of others.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Mission Church (Mission Fund), or to Taylor House - Unity Point Hospice.

The Mission Church: (12001 Ridgemont Drive Urbandale, Iowa 50323)

Taylor House: (3401 East Douglas Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50317)