Lanis Simpson, Sr.

Lanis Simpson, Sr., age 83, of Ottawa, passed away Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at Pleasant View.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 12th at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home with Major Connie Shaw officiating.  Interment will follow in Ottawa Avenue Cemetery.  Visitation will be from Noon to 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.  Pallbearers will be Brandon, Chris and Kevin Simpson, Jr., Tom Govero, Jeff McDunnin and Rob Carson.

Lanis was born June 28, 1935 in Casey Creek, Kentucky, a son of Russell and Cassie Irene (Woodrum) Simpson.  He married Betty Willis September 1, 1953 in Ottawa.  Surviving is Betty, his wife of 65 years; his children, Lanis (Debbie) Simpson, Jr. of Leland, Allen (Bobbie) Simpson of Bettendorf, Iowa, Robert (Claudia) Simpson of Holland, Michigan, Ginger Govero and Kevin (Sue) Simpson all of Ottawa.  He also leaves grandchildren, Heather Simpson, Brandon Simpson, Chris Simpson, Charity Carson, Tom Govero, Jr., Sarah Budach, Kevin Simpson, Jr., Brandy Simpson, Courtney Simpson, Brianne Simpson and Amanda Simpson; twenty great-grandchildren; a brother, Welby (Arlene) Simpson of Campbellsville, Kentucky; and sisters, Marcella (Clayton) Perkins of Boise, Idaho and Maxine Jones of Campbellsville, Kentucky.  He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Glen, Fred and Elsworth Simpson: a sister, Ruth Simpson; son-in-law, Tom Govero and his mother and father-in-law, Roy and Georgia Willis.

Lanis loved the Lord and loved reading and studying scripture.  He dearly loved spending time with his family, leading Boy Scouts with his sons and attending sporting events with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Lanis received his electrician degree at IVCC while working at LOF where he worked until retirement.  He was the owner of Simpson Towing until his second retirement.

Lanis has been a long time member of The Salvation Army in Ottawa.  He served as the Corps Sergeant Major until his health declined.  He was a Corps Council Member at the Salvation Army.  He often led the church services including preaching to the congregation.  Lanis also supervised the Salvation Army Kettle Program for many years.  He was the recipient of the world-wide “Others Award” in the Salvation Army for all the work he did for others.  Lanis enjoyed working with his hands.  He built several homes, just to give back to the people he loved to serve.  He didn’t sit much, but when he did, he had his Bible in hand or would listen to Gospel music.  Lanis will be greatly missed by his family, friends and our community.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Salvation Army.

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