Oklahoma trucker who inspired millions with song passes away from colon cancer

A veteran trucker from Oklahoma who shared his last ride in his truck with millions of people across the internet passed away this morning.

Driver Delvin Simmons had more than 40 years behind the wheel when he was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer after his first colonoscopy in the second week of May. After battling the cancer for just a few weeks, Simmons died early this morning, according to a report from News On 6.

Soon after his serious diagnosis, knowing that he would soon be unable to drive, Simmons and his son Justin took one last ride in his truck. Simmons recorded the song “The Old Man is Dead” by Del Way for his children just in case he lost his battle with cancer.

Since the video was shared about a month ago, it has been viewed nearly six and a half million times.

Simmons’s son Justin said of his father, “My dad has been a truck driver since he graduated high school, a dream he had since he was a young boy. All truck drivers go by a handle, and dad chose “Ranch Hand” when he first began and has been known by that ever since. In 1987 when I was 7 years old he gave his heart to Christ and accepted Jesus as his savior. Since that time he has passionately and selflessly served the church, his community, and so many others showing them God’s love the very best he could.”

The American Cancer Society recommends that patients should receive regular colonoscopies starting at age 45.