Ed Simpson (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Charles Edward “Ed” Simpson, son of Charles and AnnaBelle Owens Simpson, was born on August 25, 1941, in Springfield, Missouri. He departed this life Tuesday, March 22, 2016, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 74 years, four months, and twenty-seven days.
On November 6, 1966, in Salem, Missouri he was united in marriage to Connie Louise Holland, and to this union two daughters were born.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his son-in-law, Chris Wrinkle.
Ed is survived by his loving wife of nearly fifty years, Connie Holland Simpson, of Lebanon, Missouri; two daughters, Karen Simpson-Neasby, and her husband, Randy, of Lebanon, Missouri, and Kim Wrinkle, and her children, Karsen and Kasen, of Springfield, Missouri; his sister, Carmen Simpson Rogers, and her husband, Jim, of Springfield, Missouri, and their two daughters, Jenissa Rossiter and her husband Dr. Tom, and MaryAnn Rogers, all of Nixa, Missouri; along with a host of other adoring friends and relatives.
Ed was raised in the Salem, Missouri; Rolla, Missouri; and Lebanon, Missouri areas and graduated from Salem High School. He attended Southwest Baptist University where he studied organ and piano. Ed served as his father’s “right hand man” in the family’s variety store, Simpson’s Hillcrest Variety, in Rolla, Missouri. Ed later was employed by Mattingly’s Matco where he managed stores. For over thirty-five years, Ed had worked at Bennett Spring State Park for his brother-in-law, Jim Rogers and sister, Carmen Rogers.
Music was forever an important part of Ed’s life. Over the last thirty-five years, Ed served as the pianist for his beloved First Baptist Church in Lebanon, where he often boasted his love for the nine foot concert grand piano autographed by Dino Kartsonakis. Ed had such a long history of serving the Lord through his wonderful piano playing. He was the pianist at First Baptist in Rolla at one time. As a young man, he often played at First Baptist in Lebanon and then would go to the First Congregational Church and play for their services. Wherever he was needed and had the opportunity to play, he was glad to sit down at the piano. He also played for countless soloists and ensembles at church, high school, and later college. Ed thoroughly enjoyed serving as the accompanist for the Kinsmen Quartet from the Rolla area. The Kinsmen Quartet recorded two albums and Ed cherished the years with longtime friends that were a part of the group: Larry Davis, Jerry Davis, Leon Gabel and Donnie Davis.
Ed was a great man of faith and loved his church and his Lord. He professed his faith in Jesus Christ at a young age and was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Lebanon, where he served as a Deacon. Ed enjoyed gardening, grilling, cars, and spending time with family and friends over a great meal. Ed’s absolute pride and joy were his precious grandchildren, Karsen and Kasen who lovingly called him “BaBa”. He was so proud of Karsen for being such a wonderfully talented young lady and thoroughly enjoyed seeing her perform in choir, musicals, marching band competitions, and serving as the vocalist in jazz band. Karsen stole Ed’s heart the very day she was born. Ed beamed with pride at the sight of Kasen who has an uncanny resemblance to his grandfather. He enjoyed seeing Kasen excel in school participating in the Wings program and entering Boy Scouts. He marveled at Kasen’s wit and love for Star Wars and Legos.
Ed was a loving husband, father, BaBa, brother, and caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life, his accomplishments and know that he will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all that knew and loved him. We should all take great comfort in knowing that Ed is spending eternity with our Lord and Savior undoubtedly accompanying the heavenly choir.
Memorial contributions may be made to Connie Simpson (for Karsen and Kasen's education fund) and left at the funeral home.
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