Kenneth W. Simpson

Kenneth W. Simpson went to be with the Lord on October 23, 2024 at the age of 84. He was born on September 8, 1940 in Smithville, Missouri to John and Mildred Simpson. He grew up in Edgerton, Missouri and graduated from the University of Missouri with a B.S. in Agriculture. He met Martha Ann at The University of Missouri, and they were married May 3, 1964. They lived many places during their marriage, including Okinawa, Japan, Hamilton, MO, Hays, KS, Great Bend, KS, Gainesville, FL and finally in Lakeland, FL. They were together until she passed on April 10, 2017.
He is survived by his three daughters, Christy Herringshaw (George), Debbie Ryan (Matt), and Lisa Birket; six grandchildren, Justin Fahrenholtz (Danica), Stephanie Weaver (Nick), Zach Ryan, Madeleine Ryan, Macey Center (Derek), and Logan Birket; six great grandchildren, Kamerin Watson, Kinsley Carr, Julian Fahrenholtz, Emily Fahrenholtz, Bryson Weaver and Amberlei Weaver; and twin great-great granddaughters, Hadley and Harper Watson. He is also survived by his brother, Byron Simpson (Janice) of Kearney, MO and his sister Linda Stemme (Olan) of Hermann, MO, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Kenneth was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lakeland, FL. His greatest passion was flying. He was a pilot of C-130 airplanes for the United States Airforce and served in the Korean/Vietnam War. He was stationed in Okinawa and was very proud of his service. He continued flying for many years after the service in his Piper Commanche airplane. He had different careers over the years including Airforce, farming, insurance agent, church furnishings sales and Lefebure Banking systems. He went back to school at age 50 and received his degree in computers. He was always learning new things and accomplishing new feats in life. There was nothing he couldn't fix, make or learn to do. He loved photography, making stained glass, computers, watching The Florida Gators and especially being with his family. Family was always his number one priority. In his last few years he would often say that family was everything and he was grateful to have his family around him.
A celebration of life service will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 4450 Harden Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33813 on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at 2:00 pm. He will be entombed at Forest Meadows Mausoleum in Gainesville, FL in a separate private family service.