ROMEO PALVERNE “ROMIE” SIMPSON

Romeo “Romie” Simpson

Romeo “Romie” Simpson, 100, of Rushville died Jan. 6, 2026.

He was born Jan. 2, 1926, in Ray, a son of Newton William and Alice Robinson Simpson. He married Naomi Ruth Harrison on Jan. 21, 1948, in Bowen. She preceded him in death.

He also was preceded in death by two sisters, Doris Dean of Yakima, Wash., and Hazel Becraft of Roseville; one brother, Max of Lewistown; and four step siblings, Wayland Billingsley, Woodrow Billingsley, Zella Billingsley and Zelda Billingsley Goode.

Surviving are two sons, Greg of South Jacksonville and Rod (and Pam) of Florissant, Mo.; one sister, Ruey of Pittsboro, Ind.; two grandsons, Matthew (and Cayla) and Nickolas (and Kayla), both of Jacksonville; two granddaughters, Melinda Denison and Moriah Siefert (and Chad) of St. Louis, Mo., area; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Navy and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. After leaving the Navy, he worked in the dry cleaning businesses in Augusta, Macomb and Havana for 14 years. He then owned and operated the Simpson Cleaners in Rushville for 16 years. He then managed the local Empire Gas Company, followed by 10 years of service with Schuyler-Brown FS. During retirement, he enjoyed working in his shop repairing John Deere riding mowers.

He spent his last 15 years with his companion Kay Fitzjarrald.

Funeral services were held Jan. 10, at Worthington Funeral Home in Rushville with Rev Stacy Tomich officiating. Burial followed at the Rushville City Cemetery with Military Services by the Schuyler American Legion Post #4 and the U.S. Navy Honor Detail.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church or Beardstown VFW #1227.

Condolences may be sent to www.worthingtonfh.com.

Published in the Astoria South Fulton Argus on 1/14/2026