Leon D. Simpson

Dr. Leon D. Simpson, 72 of Florence Township, Ohio, died Tuesday, October 27, 2009 in Community Health Partners West after a sudden illness. He was born July 28, 1937 in Mountain Park, Oklahoma and was raised in Panhandle, Texas, where he graduated from Panhandle High School. Leon continued his education and received degrees from Texas Tech University, the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois and the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Upon completion of his education, Dr. Simpson worked on the staff at Cumberland College in Williamsburg, KY, was an assistant to Dr. W.A. Criswell at the First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas and as President of the Clear Creek Baptist Bible College in Pineville, KY. He also worked as an editor at Lifeway Christian Resources in Nashville, TN, before moving to Florence Twp., where he pastored the Firelands Church for the past 14 years. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Marilyn Simpson (nee Simpson); daughter, Noelle Simpson of Florence Township, sons and daughter-in-laws, L. Douglas and Cindy Simpson of Vermilion and Timothy and Brigette Simpson of New York City, NY; grandchildren, Jon & Lyndsey Davis, Autumn, Micah & Maisie Simpson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph & Corabel Simpson; sister, Joyce Stearns and brother, William D. Simpson. Friends may call Friday, October 30, 2009 from 6-9 pm at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio. Visitation will continue on Saturday, October 31, 2009 from 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am at Lakeview Baptist Church, 591 Ferndale Avenue, Vermilion. Dr. Allen Harrod will officiate. Burial will be on Monday, November 2, 2009 at 12:00 pm at Rose Hill Cemetery, 171 N. Mason-Montgomery Rd., Mason, Ohio. Contributions may be made to Firelands Church, 12320 St. Rt. 113, Wakeman, Ohio 44889. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.