LEE CENTER — David J. Simpson, 76, of Lee Center, died Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019 at Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon. 

He was born May 13, 1943 in Abingdon, IL the son of Duane and Myrtle (Berry) Simpson.

He attended Monmouth College where he received a Bachelor's of Science degree in middle and high school science.

David was principal at the Lee Center School, and then taught science at Franklin Grove, and for the AFC School District.

He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Amboy, the Amboy

Knights of Columbus and the NRA.  Professionally, he was a dedicated educator, challenging his students to do their best. During his free time, he was an avid hunter and outdoorsman, who loved playing games with his grandchildren, encouraging them to appreciate the beauty of nature.

David married Sharon Hund in Galesburg on December 28, 1963.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Duane Simpson, Jr., and his sister, Diane Schoonover.

Survivors include his wife Sharon;  children Renee (Mike) Grady, of Dixon, John (Tracey) Simpson, of Amboy, and Lynette (Andy) Thomas, of Gladwin, Mich.; 10 grandchildren, Aaron, Evan, and Collin Grady, Haley, Kelsey, Connor, Lucas, and Trevor Simpson, and Dalton (Sierra) Thomas and Cory (Bethany) Thomas; three sisters, Doris Ruff, of Abingdon, Darlene (William) Sayrs, of Galesburg, and Joan Campbell, of Preston, Iowa.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, in St. Patrick Catholic Church in Amboy with the Rev. Keith Romke, officiating. Burial of cremains will be at a later date in Woodside Cemetery in Lee Center. 

Visitation will be held from 5 – 8 p.m., on Friday, Aug. 23, in Mihm-Jones Funeral Home in Amboy, with a scripture service at 7:30 p.m. 

A memorial has been established to Serenity Hospice. Condolences may be sent online at www.thejonesfh.com.