Robert B. Simpson

1927 - 2021

Simpson, Robert B.

February 25, 1927 - March 17, 2021

Age 94. Passed away quietly at his home in Lawrence, KS. Robert was born in Wichita KS, the son of Joseph Harold and Anne Lou (Witbeck) Simpson. He served his country in the Army Air Corps immediately after WWII as a Lineman in Okinawa. His education included Bachelor's Degrees from Wichita University and Yale University Divinity School, a Masters Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and a PhD in Sociology from Washington University Saint Louis.

He started his career as a Methodist minister in several Kansas communities. Following his interests, he pursued the study of the sociology of religion, and became a Sociology professor at the University of Nebraska from 1968 until he retired in 1992. Throughout his career and after, he continued to give the occasional sermon and officiated at the weddings and funerals of family and friends.

Outside of family and teaching, he had passions for a family cabin in Colorado, fly-fishing and "blue highways" trips. In Lawrence, he was a member of the Centenary United Methodist Church, Plymouth Congregational Church and the Lawrence Breakfast Optimist Club.

Survivors include his children; Leigh (John) Prescott, Michael Simpson, Sean (Stacie) Williams, and Todd Williams; 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two daughters-in-law, Amber Williams and Julie Williams. Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Joseph Williams on November 16, 2009; two sons, Lance Williams and Bret Williams; brother, Richard Simpson; first wife, Vivian Lorraine (Graber) Simpson; and infant son, Bruce Alan Simpson.

No Formal Services are planned at this time. A family gathering and memorial is planned for this summer. Memorial contributions may be made in Robert's name to the American Friends Service Committee and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.