Kenneth Aurthur Simkins

Ken was born in Willow Springs, Missouri to Jean and Josephine Simkins, the youngest of five children in the family.  From the age of fourteen, Springfield became home to Ken and his family.  He was a graduate of Central High School and pursued higher education in his early adult life.  Ken worked in the construction field, in accounting, managed a concrete company, and drove shuttles and limousines for Fisk in his retirement years.  In 1954, Ken married the love of his life, Betty, and together they shared 66 years of marriage before her passing.  Together, Ken and Betty raised sons, Greg and Doug in the home Ken built and Betty designed.  They shared many happy years of family life enjoying travels to California to visit family, lake life boating and fishing with their children, grandchildren, and friends at Table Rock Lake. In their later years, Ken and Betty enjoyed shows in Branson, spending time with family and friends, and taking day trips to enjoy nature and the many interesting sights in the Ozarks.  Ken and Betty were members of Brentwood Christian Church.  After Betty's passing, Ken was blessed by "The Fat Boys", his friends with whom he shared many breakfasts and fellowship, and through the ministers of Brentwood Christian.  Ken would tell you his greatest accomplishments were his marriage and family, both of which he was so proud.

Ken was a loyal and loving husband to Betty, and a loving, caring father to his sons.  He held so much love for his family and felt blessed to watch his family grow through grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Ken had a unique sense of humor which he shared with all, a strong faith in God, a mighty work ethic, and he was a man of integrity.  He held a passion for the homeless and supported the work of local charities to help the homeless in the Springfield community.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Jean and Josephine Simkins, brothers Richard, Gerald, and Paul Simkins, and sister Marjorie Jurman.  Ken is survived by his sons, Greg and his wife Amy, Doug and his wife Janis, grandchildren, Adam (Alex) Simkins, Holly (Donny) Bushner, Ryan McKnight, Katie Simkins, and Josie Simkins, and great-grandchildren, Kendric, Anderson, Marshall Simkins, and Logan, Lucas, and Landon Bushner.   Survivors also include sisters-in-law, Millie Simkins, Amamae Rush Johnston, and Cheryl Simkins, along with nieces and a nephew.

In lieu of flowers, any donations may be made in Ken's honor to the homeless services program through Brentwood Christian Church https://brentwoodchristianchurch.com/ or The Connecting Grounds https://www.theconnectinggrounds.com/ .   The Simkins family would like to thank those whose outreach of love, care and support through Ken's life brought joy to him and the rest of the family.

Visitation will be on Monday, December 18, 2023 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM, with Funeral Service following at 2:00 PM, at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Hazelwood Cemetery.