Johnny Simpkins

CHARLESTON - Johnny Simpkins, 71, died at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22, 2003, at his residence in Charleston.

Born Nov. 23, 1931, in Holcomb to the late Ben H. and Mary Jane Owens Simpkins, he had lived in Charleston most of his life. Employed with the Charleston R-1 School District as custodian for the high school and for Hearnes Elementary for many years until his retirement, he was a member of the First General Baptist Church in Bertrand.

On Dec. 31, 1955, he married Mary Baker, who survives of the home.

Also surviving are: two daughters, Melody Rankin of Dexter and Pam Jackovic of Sikeston; three brothers, Carl Simpkins and Roy Simpkins of East Prairie and James F. Simpkins of Louisville, Ky.; two sisters, Berniece Thresher of La Center, Ky., and Mattie Prince of Charleston; and seven grandchildren.

One brother, J.B. Simpkins, preceded him in death.

Visitation is scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston where services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. The Rev. Robert Herring, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Bertrand, will officiate.

Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Larry Miller, Dolph Webb, Chester Hopper, Homer Oliver, Carl Lester Henson and Richard Gage.