Raymond A. Simpson

Raymond A. Simpson passed away Friday morning, Nov. 1, 2019, at MercyOne Newton Medical Center.

A time of remembrance and celebration of life will begin at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5 at the Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton, who is entrusted with the arrangements. Visitation will be an hour prior to the services, with burial in Our Silent City Cemetery in Kellogg. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to Raymond’s family or to a charity of your choosing.

Raymond Arthur Simpson, 94, the son of Moses E. and Ruby “Dobbs” Simpson, was born Feb. 20, 1925, in Grinnell. He was a graduate of the Kellogg Senior High, Class of 1943. He served his country during World War II, with the U.S. Navy.

On Nov. 3, 1946, Raymond was united in marriage with Barbara Ann “Shortie” Ladd in New Sharon. Ray was employed by the Maytag Company, retiring in 1987 as inventory controller. He was a member of Kellogg United Methodist Church, played and managed the Kellogg Cardinal Baseball team and managed Kellogg Babe Ruth. He enjoyed watching all sports, St. Louis Cardinals, the Iowa Hawkeyes, gardening and most important was his wife and his family.

Raymond is survived by his wife Barb A. “Shortie” Simpson of Kellogg; sons, Dave (Leone) Simpson of Waterloo and Rod (Susan) Simpson of Newton; his six grandchildren, Kelly (Mark) Harris, Davey (Tammy) Simpson, Libby (Scott) Demuth, Kristin (Ryan) Hartz, Sarah (Silas) Hanneman and Stephanie (Christian) Simpson; his nine great-grandchildren; his sister, Dorothy Gullett; and many good neighbors and friends. Ray was preceded in death by his parents; and his son, Stephan “Teet” Simpson in 1972.

Online condolences may be left for the family at pencefh.com.