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Phillip Simpson, 78, of Medicine Lodge, Kansas, died Thursday, July 15, 2021, at Ascension-Via Christi St. Francis, Wichita, Kansas.
He was born on June 12, 1943, in Anthony, Kansas, the son of Robert C. Simpson and Marjorie (Rozzelle) Simpson. In 1965, he married Joyce Ditgen. She preceded him in death on July 7, 2021.
Phillip was raised on the family farm, where one of his favorite pastimes was helping his father assess the value of horses for trade with his brother, Richard. He often reminisced about riding Palominos and Big Bays with names like Chief and King.
Phillip suffered from asthma his entire life, but much more so as a child. His mother often predicted weather patterns based solely on his breathing.
He walked to the nearest one-room school house, Reutlinger #10, as a grade school student. The family soon moved to town (c. 1957) and he graduated from Medicine Lodge High School in 1961.
Phillip's occupations ranged from oil field roughnecking in his early days, to owning his own trucking and dozer equipment, and even running his own filling station in Medicine Lodge. He sold insurance all across the state of Kansas for the Knights of Columbus, earning several major awards. In his later years he 'moved dirt', as he called it, for Inslee and Gorilla Construction before retiring in the late 2010s.
As a father, he was a gentle but vibrant giant. He worked to make his sons self-sufficient and kind, teaching them car repair, fishing and the importance of laughter. As a friend he was ornery, fun-loving, and honest.
Phillip passed away with his sons and daughters-in law in attendance, as well as nephew Paul Shelite, after suffering long-time respiratory issues.
His cheerful demeanor, broad smile and hearty laugh will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Surviving are three sons, Christopher Dean Simpson and wife Kelley of Jacksonville, Florida, Shawn Michael Simpson and wife Melissa of Kiowa, Kansas, and Brian Jon Simpson and wife Kimberly of Kansas City, Missouri; Six grandchildren, Tanner David Chamblee, Brittany Marie, Cade Anthony, Adrienne Rozzelle, Audrey May, and Anthony James Simpson; one brother, Richard K.Simpson of Cape Coral, Florida; one sister, Mary Rucker of Sharon, Kansas; many nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.
Phillip was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, one son, Anthony Layne "Tony" Simpson, and two sisters, Phyllis J. Shelite and Evelyn R. Pierce.
Visitation will be on Thursday, July 22, 2021 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m, with family receiving friends from 5 p.m to 7 p.m., at Larrison Funeral Home, 120 E. Lincoln, Medicine Lodge, KS 67104. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, July 23, 2021 at 10 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medicine Lodge, Kansas, with Father Mark Brantley presiding. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery, Medicine Lodge.
Memorials may be made to the Knights of Columbus, in care of Larrison Funeral Home, 120 E. Lincoln, Medicine Lodge, KS 67104.
Condolences may be left at http://www.larrisonmortuary.com.
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