Franklin Delano Simpkins

George, Utah. He was born December 3, 1934 in Cortland, Indiana (near Seymour) to Wiley

Oscar and Fern Beatrice (McMahon) Simpkins. He was married several times, notably to

Sherlyn Jarvis–with whom he had raised three boys. Although divorced, Frank and Sherry have

remained close as they continued to guide and love their sons into adult years. Frank was a

convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and truly loved the church and those

in it.

Frank often recalled what his early life was like growing up on a simple farm in Indiana.

His father, Wiley, plowed and tended 400 acres with a horse team. The family eventually moved

to Adrian, Michigan where Frank graduated from Adrian High School in 1953. While working at

a filling station in Michigan, he developed a life-long interest in cars and mechanical work. He

honorably served our country in the United States Marine Corps from 1954-1957, achieving the

rank of Sergeant.

Upon leaving the military Frank held several jobs in Arizona and New Mexico, including

underground mining. While working in Albuquerque as a firefighter, Frank received an

opportunity to work in Las Vegas. There he would find his true passion and obtained an

Associates Degree in Firefighting and served in the Las Vegas Fire Department from 1962 until

1994. He dedicated the majority of his life to the people of Las Vegas, and was present during

some of the most important emergency events in the city’s history–including the MGM Grand

fire in 1980.

Frank lived his life in service to his country, community, church, and especially his family.

He is survived by his three sons, Ryan (Heather) of Lehi, Dan (Susan) of Cedar City, Ben of St.

George, and many grandchildren.

Funeral services will be a private ceremony with family, church members, and close

friends on October 6, 2023. Interment on Monday, October 9, 2023 at the Palm Boulder City

Mausoleum will be a private family ceremony. The family requests those who knew him to share

remembrances at metcalfmortuary.com.