Kenneth Simpson
(September 17, 1914 - December 22, 2006)
Kenneth Simpson was born September 17, 1914 to Ernest and Grace (Crumine) Simpson in Independence, Kansas.. The family moved to Newberg, where Ken graduated from Newberg High School. He later graduated from Oregon State University with an Associates Degree. During World War II, Ken served in the US Army, serving in New Guinea, Philippines, and receive the Bronze Star. He earned the rank of Sergeant First Class, receiving his Honorable Discharge on July 19, 1945. After the military, he went to work for the United States Post Office, serving as Post Master for the Newberg Post Office, until his retirement in 1976. On February 14, 1948 he married Jane Reith in Portland, Oregon and she preceded him in death on September 28, 2005.
Among his community involvements were membership of the Newberg V.F.W. Post # 4014, American Legion for over 60 years, McMinnville Elks Lodge #1283 for over 35 years, and the Newberg First Presbyterian Church. His favorite activities were hunting, fishing, and camping. After his retirement, he and Jane traveled extensively around Oregon and the Coast.
On Friday, December 22, 2006, Ken died at a local foster home when he was 92 years of age.
Surviving him are his daughters, Mary Jo Mazzella of Scappoose, Reitha Weeks of Seattle, Washington, Becky Simpson of Newberg; sisters, Irene Dotson of Ventura, California, Ruthie McCormick of Redmond, Oregon; brother, J. Arthur Simpson of Golden, Alabama; 4 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Private family graveside services will be at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, with a Service of Remembrance following at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, December 28, 2006 at the First Presbyterian Church in Newberg. For those who wish contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church in care of Alternative Burial & Cremation of Oregon PO Box 202 Sherwood, Oregon 97140.
