Bernard Lee "Bernie" Simpson's Obituary
Bernie Simpson, 76, of Martinsville, Illinois passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 23, 2013. Bernard Lee Simpson was born on April 28, 1936 in Clark County, Illinois the son of Darrell Jacob and Bonnie (Medsker) Simpson. He married Barbara Ellen Carpenter on November 12, 1954 in Martinsville, IL. Together they raised three children, Jerry Simpson (wife Sue) of Effingham, IL; Danny Simpson (wife Shellie) of Casey, IL and JoLee Reichert (husband Jason) of Martinsville, IL, they survive. Bernie worked briefly in highway construction, helping build US Route 40 and for a short time at the General Motors Foundry in Danville, Illinois, before beginning work as a mechanic and farmer. He worked many years at Raymond (Red) Calvert's garage, farming at night and on weekends. Often, he and Barbara would work well into the night, each with a boy on their lap on a tractor in order to get the crop in. Later, Bernie opened his own repair shop and worked on cars, trucks, and tractors. He had a talent for fixing anything that was broken and was patient with both machinery problems and with people. For many years, Bernie maintained Martinsville School District's bus fleet and took great pride in knowing that they were safe and reliable. He loved anything mechanical and was happiest with cars and farming. Over the years as cars became more specialized and dependent on technology, he enjoyed the repair business less and less and devoted himself to farming full time. Bernie enjoyed all aspects of farming from preparing the ground for planting to the harvest. When not in the field, he loved to visit machinery lots and find good places to eat. During the winter he would spend his time getting ready for the next springand at the time of his death he was already arranging for seed and getting equipment ready for the start of farming season. He was a friend to all and was always willing to help others. He never wanted to be in the spotlight but loved to be with family and friends and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandkids. In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by 3 grandchildren, Amy Simpson of Taipei, Taiwan; Janel Reichert and Jacob Reichert, both of Martinsville, IL. His brother, Larry (wife Linda) Simpson of Martinsville, IL also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents. His mother passed away a few hours prior to him. Bernie spent his life in Martinsville, IL and was a member of Island Grove Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 1, 2013 at the Martinsville Bible Church with Brother Billie Ray Ulrey officiating. Burial will follow in the Medsker Cemetery, rural Martinsville, IL. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday evening at the Martinsville Bible Church, 509 Ridgelawn Rd., Martinsville, IL. Memorial donations may be made to the Island Grove Church, 8596 N. 1000th St., Martinsville, IL 62442 8596 N 1000th St, Martinsville, IL 624428596 N 1000th St, Martinsville, IL 62442or the Martinsville Bible Church, 509 E. Ridgelawn Rd., Martinsville, IL 62442. To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Greenwell Funeral Home of Martinsville, IL is in charge of the arrangements. SERVICES Visitation Thursday, February 28, 2013 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Martinsville Bible Church 509 East Ridgelawn Road Martinsville, IL Service Friday, March 01, 2013 10:30 AM Martinsville Bible Church 509 East Ridgelawn Road Martinsville, IL
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