William James "Bill" Simpson

Bill Simpson died peacefully on March 31, 2017, after a brief but bravely fought illness. He was born May 6, 1928 in Wyandotte, Oklahoma, to William Andrew and Josephine (Wolfenbarger) Simpson.

He attended North High in Wichita, Kansas and after graduation, served in the United States Marine Corp. He graduated in 1951 from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Petroleum Engineering. During and after college he worked for Kewanee Oil Company and eventually retired from Chevron in 1986.

He liked all sports but especially loved playing golf and tennis. Bill took up snow skiing at the age of 51. He enjoyed yearly ski trips to Angel Fire, New Mexico, with family and friends, for the next 20 years. He became a “mall walker” in 1995 and valued and respected the friends he made there including, Joe and Wanda, Beverly, Lynn, Dick, and Cliff among many others past and present. For 15 years he also enjoyed Wednesday fajita lunches with his good friend, Chris, where they would “discuss” the OU-TX football rivalry, among many other things. He was also blessed with great neighbors, Chuck and Laurel, and Russell. But more than anything he loved his family and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do or sacrifice for them.

He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Virginia “Mike” Simpson, his parents, as well as his siblings, and one son-in-law, Roger.

He is survived by his three daughters Jeanne Simpson of Midland, Texas, Jacki Stevens of Benton, Kansas and Mikie Simpson of Wichita, Kansas; two grandchildren Brian Stevens (Candace) of Pleasant Hill, Missouri and Michele Stevens of Fremont, Nebraska and three great grandchildren, Reagan, Riley and Reece Stevens.

A “come and go” gathering of friends is scheduled at Ellis Funeral Home on Monday, April 3, 2017, from 6:30p.m. to 8:00p.m. A memorial service and graveside service will be held at a later date in Ponca City, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Home Hospice of Midland (200 W. Illinois, Ste. 190, Midland, Texas 79701) or Odessa (619 N. Grant Ste. 120, Odessa, Texas 79761) or to a charity of your choice.

So many people were instrumental in making Bill as comfortable as possible during these past two months, and the family would like to thank Midland Memorial Hospital, Odessa Medical Center Hospital, The Parks Senior Living in Odessa, and Home Hospice. The family is also full of gratitude for all the wonderful, supportive friends who have kept our beloved father in their prayers.

Arrangements under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home, Midland, TX.