William ‘Bill’ F. Simpson

William (Bill) F. Simpson, 67, died, Nov. 26, 2023, at St. Catherine Hospital, Garden City.

He was born on Sept. 10, 1956, in Oak Park, Ill., the son of Karl Franklin and Betty Jane (Melson) Simpson, Jr.

A resident of Scott City since 2014, moving from Lawrence, he was a retired Emporia State University associate professor of math and computer science.

Bill was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Joseph RCIA director since 2015, and was a cantor and choir member in Lawrence, Oro Valley, Ariz., and Scott City.

A lifetime chess player, he reached the International Postal Chess Expert rating and the United States Chess Federation Postal Chess Candidate Master Level.

Following retirement, he played duplicate bridge in the American Contract Bridge League.

At Christmas, he played both Santa Claus for the children and “Santa Paws” to benefit the Scott County Animal Shelter.

Bill loved Scott County, spending summers during his childhood with his grandparents, Bill and Floy Melson. Despite many trips throughout the world, when Bill and his wife Carolyn retired, they moved to the family farm in Scott County where he was warmly welcomed, and where he was always happiest.

On June 15, 1978, he married Carolyn R. Schneider in Garden Grove, Calif. She survives.

Other survivors include his daughter, Betty Simpson, Denver, Colo.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents and parents.

A memorial service will be held Sat., Dec. 9, 10:30 a.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Scott City, with Fr. Don Bedore presiding.

Internment will be in the Scott County Cemetery.

There will be no calling times.

Memorials can be written to the Scott Community Foundation in care of Price and Sons Funeral Homes, Box 553, Scott City, Ks. 67871.