Obituary: Denzil 'D.C.' Simpson

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Denzil "D.C." Simpson passed away on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2011. He was born on Feb. 5, 1930, to parents Stella (Jones) and Cloyd Simpson, who both preceded him in death. Denzil's siblings include Bob Simpson (deceased), Charles "Bimp" Simpson, Ronnie Simpson, and Norma Travelstead. He is survived by his beautiful wife of 59 years, Wilma (Banks) Simpson; children, Bobby Gene and wife Cathy, Richard Lee and wife Cindy, Beth Ann and husband David Montfort; grandchildren, Jennifer Simpson, Emily Simpson, Clint Simpson, Melissa (Paul) Tikusis, Kalin and Dawson Montfort; great-grandchildren, Grant, Evan, Haley, Gracie and Marshall.

Denzil was a Korean War Veteran serving in the U.S. Army in 1952 to 1953 and received the Purple Heart for being wounded in the battle of Pork Chop Hill. He was the former co-owner of Equality Mining, D&S Stone Co., D&S Trucking, Hardin Co. Materials, Barnett Redi-Mix, Fredonia Valley Quarries, and Tison Hall Concrete. He served as a board member at Old National Bank for many years. He was an avid quail hunter and fisherman and enjoyed hunting trips to his farm in South Dakota each year with his sons and good friends. Denzil enjoyed overseeing and taking care of his farm in Pope County. He was a long time member of the Masonic Lodge, Shriners, American Legion and VFW. Denzil loved sports, especially his Harrisburg Bulldogs and St. Louis Cardinals. Last year D.C. had the honor of being the Grand Marshal of the Holiday Lights Parade. Denzil was more than a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he was our guiding light, and strength. He will be missed not only by us, his family, but all who knew him.

The family would like to give special thanks to the care givers who made his last five weeks comfortable -- Brittney, Brenda, Debbie and Linda. We would also like to thank Harrisburg Medical Center for the compassionate and professional care given to our loved one during his hospital stay.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, at the Dorrisville Baptist Church in Harrisburg. The Rev. Chris Winkleman will officiate and will be assisted by the Rev. Dewayne Taylor. Burial will follow in Sunset Lawn Cemetery in Harrisburg with military rites by the American Legion, VFW and National Guard. Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011, at the Dorrisville Baptist Church in Harrisburg with Masonic Lodge Rites at 7 p.m. Memorials may be made to Harrisburg Medical Center. Envelopes will be available at the church. Condolences may be sent to the family through the obituary page at the Internet site www.reedfuneralchapel.com