Merle Eugene "Gene" Simpson

81 of Oquawka and formerly of Abingdon, died at 5:20 pm Saturday, February 16, 2008 at his home in Oquawka. He was born on February 11, 1927 in Abingdon to Merle and Irma Kilpatrick Simpson. He married Viola Morse on October 5, 1947 in Abingdon. She preceded him in death on February 6, 2008. Gene is survived by his children, Barbara (and Irvin) Benge of Bushnell, Randy Simpson of Oquawka, Danny (and Patricia) Simpson of Dahinda, IL, Richard (and Sandra) Simpson of Kirkwood and Donald (Vili) Simpson of Port Orchard, WA; his brothers, Terry (and Janice) Simpson of Abingdon, Ed (and Marsha) Simpson of Abingdon, Billy Simpson of Vancouver, WA; his sisters, Carmen Thrasher, Carol (and Bunk) Lewis, Cleta Boydstun and Joyce Fishel all of Abingdon; 12 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson. He was also preceded in death by his parents, a grandson Randal Simpson, one sister Waneta Quinn and two brothers Roger Simpson and Gerald Simpson. He had lived in Oquawka since 1979 and prior to that lived in Abingdon. He worked at the Abingdon Pottery. He served in the Navy during WW II. He was a member of Harry E. Wiles American Legion Post #381 in Abingdon. He loved to hunt and fish growing up. He later enjoyed woodworking. Graveside service will be at 2:00 pm Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at the Abingdon Cemetery. Rev. Danny E. Hunt will officiate. Military rites will be provided by Harry E. Wiles American Legion Post #381. There will be no visitation. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Abingdon Chapel is in charge of arrangements for the family. Memorials may be made to Beacon of Hope Hospice.

SERVICES A service summary is not available

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