Romeo "Romie" Simpson

Romeo "Romie" Simpson, 100 of Rushville passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026. He was born in Ray, Illinois on January 2nd, 1926 the son of Newton William and Alice Robinson Simpson, He married Naomi Ruth Harrison on January 21, 1948 in Bowen, IL Romeo is survived by (2) sons, Greg of South Jacksonville, IL and Rod (Pam) of Florissant, MO, (2) grandsons, Matthew (Cayla) and Nickolas (Kayla) both of Jacksonville, IL (2) granddaughters, Melinda Denison and Moriah Siefert (Chad) of St. Louis, MO area; (9) great grandchildren, Alexandria Simpson, Mya, Macy and Max Simpson, Faith Denison, Kendall Siefert, Kai Denison, Nania Denison and Ellijah Simpson and (1) great great grandson, Henry Brown; (1) sister, Ruey of Pittsboro, IN and many nieces and nephews. Romie spent his last 15 years with his companion Kay Fitzjarrald. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years Naomi, (2) sisters Doris Dean of Yakima, Washington and Hazel Becraft of Roseville, IL; (1) brother, Max of Lewistown, IL and (4) step-siblings, Wayland Billingsley, Woodrow Billingsley, Zella Billingsley and Zelda Billingsley Goode. At the age of 17 Romie enlisted in the Navy and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. After leaving the Navy Romie worked in the drycleaning businesses in Augusta, Macomb, and Havana for fourteen years. He then owned and operated the Simpson Cleaners in Rushville for 16 years. Romie then managed the local Empire Gas Company, followed by ten years of service with Schuyler-Brown FS. During retirement Romie enjoyed working in his shop repairing John Deere riding mowers, playing cards and spending time with his family. Funeral Services will be Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Worthington Funeral Home with Rev Stacy Tomich officiating. Interment will follow at the Rushville City Cemetery with Military Services by the Schuyler American Legion Post #4 and the U.S Navy Honor Detail. A visitation will be on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church or Beardstown VFW #1227.