John Wesley Simpson Sr.

St. Joseph - John Wesley Simpson Sr., 75, passed away on Saturday July 9, 2016 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL. He was born on November 22, 1940 in Champaign, IL to Walter and Lela (Norman) Simpson. John married Patricia Ann Kelm on July 13, 1962 in Champaign. John is survived by his wife; children, Angella Anderson Simpson and John (Brenda) Simpson, Jr.; grandchildren, Joshua and Eric Anderson; and sister, Joyce Deakin. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jim Norman and George Simpson; sisters, June Bateman, JoAnne Gossett, and Mary Margaret Wheat; and his beloved dog Goldie. After graduating from Champaign High School, John enlisted in the United States Navy, and served from 1958 until 1962. He was stationed on the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid and earned a Sailor of the Month award. He met the love of his life while on leave during his enlistment, while visiting the family of one of his best friends, who would then become his brother-in-law. He said he fell head over heels in love with her the first time he saw her. After leaving the Navy, he worked for Illinois Bell, as a PBX installer, working on telephone systems in people's homes and in businesses, and would retire after many changes by the company as it finally became AT&T. Dad was passionate about fishing, hunting, and watching NASCAR. He and mom spent 6 months of the year in Okeechobee, Florida, where they spent days and even nights on the lake fishing and spending time with friends. Most importantly, dad loved his family most, and loved spending time with his family, and laughter usually followed him wherever he went as he told stories of his childhood antics. He could tell any story and have the room in stitches. A celebration of John's life will be held on Thursday July 14, 2016 at 10am at Sunset Funeral Home 710 N. Neil Street Champaign, IL. Graveside committal with military rites will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday July 13, 2016 from 4-7pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in John's name to the Champaign County Humane Society, Salt & Light, or the organization of the donor's choice. Please join his family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Visitation Jul 13, 2016 Wednesday, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center Champaign-Urbana Chapel 710 N. Neil Street Champaign, IL 61820 Service Jul 14, 2016 Thursday, 10:00 AM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center Champaign-Urbana Chapel 710 N. Neil Street Champaign, IL 61820 Final Resting Place Woodlawn Cemetery - Urbana 1803 N. Coler Ave. Urbana, Illinois 61801