John C. Simpson, Jr.

John Cloyd Simpson, Jr., 91, of Cassopolis, died peacefully Wednesday, March 25, 2026 in the comfort of his family’s presence.

His life began January 21, 1935 in Cassopolis, the second of four children born to John and Theolia Simpson, Sr. He married Patricia Ann Brooks on his thirtieth birthday, January 21, 1965 in Bangor, Michigan.  She preceded him in death three days after their forty-ninth wedding anniversary in 2014.

John graduated in 1953 from Cassopolis High School. He served honorably in the United States Army, from 1955 to 1956. John served as an airplane mechanic in Big Delta, Alaska, during the Korean Conflict. He was a life-time member of Granite Lodge #11 as a 32nd degree Mason. John worked for Elkhart Brass Mfg. for forty-four years, retiring in 2000. He was an active member of the Cassopolis American Legion Post 206 Military Honor Guard. John was a member of Calvin Community Chapel, where he served as groundskeeper since he was a child until passing it on to his son in 2024. John enjoyed going to South Dakota, pheasant hunting with family. A favorite pastime of his was playing pinochle with family and friends. John was an avid Michigan Wolverines, Detroit Tigers and Lions fan.

John will be greatly missed by family and friends.  He is survived by three daughters, Deborah (Brent) Steele, Donna (Charles) Adams, Jacqueline (Melvin) Thompson; one son, John (Tracey) Simpson II; ten grandchildren, Mya Steele, Marcus Allen, Rome Allen, Chelley Smith, Nathaniel Smith II, Lauren Brann, John “Snapper” Simpson, Cheryl Schoff, Felicia Williams, Cherae Broussard; twenty-one great grandchildren; one sister, Mary Jacqueline Haines and a host of nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his beloved wife of forty-nine years and three days, he was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters, Cheryl Ann and Barbara Osborne; three grandchildren, Daniel Steele, Myrna Roberts, Ray Osborne; two sisters, JoAnne Bass and Theola Jane Scott.

Family and friends will gather Saturday, April 4, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 1:00 p.m. in Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, 202 North Broadway Street, Cassopolis, with the Reverends Russell Haines and David Johnson officiating.

He will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife in Calvin Community Cemetery, Cassopolis.

The family prefers contributions in memory of John be made to Calvin Community Chapel 18770 Mt Zion Street, Cassopolis, Michigan 49031

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

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