Kenneth Harvey Simpkins

Kenneth Harvey Simpkins, 91, passed away at the Jackson County Rehab and Care Center in Murphysboro, Illinois at 12:25 a.m. Wednesday, December 15, 2010. Kenneth was born on June 27, 1919, in Mulkeytown, Illinois, to Harvey and Ruie (Neal) Simpkins. He married Eva Mae Martin on March 9, 1940. Together they shared 68 years of marriage until the time of her death on August 21, 2008. He served in the U.S. Army from 1944-1945, at which time he was honorably discharged due to a medical condition. Kenneth was a union carpenter by trade and spent many years traveling the country assisting with the construction of financial institutions. Throughout the rest of his working years he was a finish carpenter for Ira Parrish. One of the highlights of his career was working for his mentor, Mr. Parrish and constructing homes with him in the Carbondale area. He was a faithful member of the Carbondale Church of Christ and attended for many years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and cherished the trips he took with his wife and friends of the family to pursue those hobbies in Canada and Hawaii. He is survived by three sons: Larry (Pat) Simpkins and Ron (Glenda) Simpkins, all of Murphysboro, and Rick Simpkins of Mount Carmel, IL; Other survivors include six grandchildren: Vickie (Murray) Bryant of Mayfield, KY; Deanna Barnett (Mark Schaede) of Marion; Lisa (Shawn) Stearns of Murphysboro; Leann (Barry) Biggerstaff of Carbondale; Danny (Angie) Simpkins of Murphysboro; and Mandy Simpkins of Carterville. He is also survived by twelve great-grandchildren: Stephanie Drone (Bill Gladson), Hilary Drone, Emily (Charlie) Eistert, Molly Stearns, Corey Anderer, Ashley Bryant, Lindsey Bryant, Sarah Bryant, Darian Wheeler, Ashton Trusty, Riley Trusty, Tyler Simpkins; and one great-great grandson Ayden Bryant. His sister Eva Sulser, of Battle Creek, Mich. also survives. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 18, 2010, at Pettett Funeral Home in Murphysboro with Terry Taylor officiating and burial at Murdale Gardens of Memory. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday and until 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Carbondale Church of Christ and envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The family would like to offer special thanks to caregivers Fran Hopkins, Amanda Kimmel and Tiffany Smith, as will as the staffs of Jackson County Rehab and Care Center and Hospice.

Kenneth Harvey Simpkins

June 27, 1919 - December 15, 2010