Virgil Lynn Simpson 1941-2026

Virgil Lynn Simpson, 85, Raymore, MO, went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 9, 2026, at home with his family at his side. Lynn was born January 26, 1941, in Arkansas City, Kansas, the first child of Virgil Leonard and Capitola Blanche (Leap) Simpson.

Lynn Simpson married Carolyn Ewert on May 29, 1965 in North Newton, Kansas. Together, they loved and raised two sons, Tyler Charles and Paul Monroe. Lynn had a lifelong love of music, and graduated from Bethel College in 1964 with a degree in music education. He taught high school music and instrumental band in Udall, Kansas. The family moved to Denver, CO where he attended the University of Denver and earned a Master’s Degree in Student Personnel and Administration. He worked at the Community College of Denver in Student Services. He was a member of Christ Church Denver and served as the church choir director there for several years.

The family returned to Pratt, Kansas, where Lynn worked in photography, was Pratt Chamber of Commerce manager and worked again in Student Services at Pratt Community College. In his retirement, he spent a brief time as a librarian at Skyline High School. He and Carolyn moved to Raymore, Missouri in 2014 to live closer to kids and grandkids.

Lynn enjoyed working with his hands. Over the years he built a harpsichord, a model train table, tinkered with his 1970 VW Beetle, and rebuilt and refurbished a canary yellow VW Karmann Ghia. He loved to draw and paint with his grandkids.

Lynn also had a lifelong love for aviation. At 16 he began flying and eventually earned his pilot’s license. He supported his flying activities by sacking groceries at Safeway for $.70/hour. In the 1970s he became part-owner of a Piper Cherokee and regularly piloted the family between Colorado and Kansas. Later on, Lynn built and flew radio controlled model airplanes, a hobby enjoyed by the whole family.

Ever the loving and devoted grandfather, he eagerly attended and cheered the grandkids on in their athletic, ballet, and music events, and he rarely missed a birthday celebration.

Later in his life Lynn discovered the joy of writing poetry, mostly limericks. He delighted family and friends with his wry humor. He self-published a book of his poetry, Select Verse by a Country Poet, in 2017.

Most importantly, Lynn loved the Lord Jesus Christ. He came to saving faith through the ministry of Campus Crusade and followed the Lord his entire life. He knew that he was a sinner saved by grace and he wanted others to know the power of the gospel and the hope of eternal life. He and Carolyn hosted many Bible studies and prayer groups in their home on a weekly basis.

His greatest legacy is the Christian faith of his children and grandchildren.

Lynn was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, sons Tyler (Trisha) Simpson of Raymore, MO, and Paul (Mandy) Simpson of Smithville, MO; sisters, Louise Reimer, Pratt, KS, and Glennis (Mike) Peterman, Cashion, OK; grandchildren Hannah (Tanner) Luce, Cully (Austin) Parker; Audrey (Jalen) Bowles, Jesse, Trey, Brenna, and Moriah Simpson, great-granddaughter, Georgia Luce, and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Services will be held on Monday, March 16, 2026 at Abundant Life Church 414 SW Persels Rd., Lee's Summit, Missouri. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. followed immediately at 1:30 p.m. with a memorial service. A reception will follow services until 4:00 p.m.