Ronald W. Simpson

Born December 7, 1940 in Pekin to George Waldo and Lucile Frances (Godby) Simpson, he married Sally Ann Price on April 14, 1962. She passed away on September 6, 2003. He later married Priscilla Rose (Reed) Preston on January 22, 2005. She died on June 17, 2021. He also was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Sally Ann Baldovin.

Surviving are one daughter, Traci (Matt) Van Prooyen of Bloomington; one son, Todd (Tanya) Simpson of Kingston, Tennessee; eight grandchildren, Wyatt (Savannah) Simpson, Piper Simpson, Ryder Simpson, Sontee Simpson, Nieema Simpson, Kami Simpson, Caleb Van Prooyen and Anne Van Prooyen; one great-granddaughter, Indigo Simpson and one brother, Rick (Sherry) Simpson of Pekin.

Ron attended Purdue University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics from Bradley University. Ron worked for Caterpillar, Inc., where he dedicated 34 years of service and retired as an IT Manager in 1999. Over the years, Ron worked first as a data processing manager in Mapleton and then in East Peoria. In retirement, he continued to work with his family at Simpson Real Estate.

Ron found joy in living on Lake Arlann in Pekin for many years. He enjoyed having get togethers at the house along with boating, fishing, mowing his lawn and a variety of house projects in Anna Maria Island and Bradenton, Florida. He took pleasure in southern gospel concerts and especially enjoyed the music of the Cathedrals. Ron loved billiards, golf, cards, Suduko, and Sequence and he was an avid investor who followed CAT stock.

Ron’s faith and service were central to his life. He was a member of Pekin First Church of the Nazarene, and he previously was a longtime member of First Baptist Church, where he served as chair of the Deacon's Board, as a Sunday School teacher and Superintendent. He also organized and hosted several mission trips to Mexico and annual men's wild game dinners. Ron was project minded and always had one underway, whether at home or with church. He also was a longtime member of the board at Peoria Rescue Ministries and was active with Promise Keepers.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Cheryl Sherwood will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral. Burial will follow in Prairie Rest Cemetery in Delavan.

Ron was a man of high expectations, driven, steady in purpose, and whose life reflected leadership, faithful service, and a deep commitment to both family and church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ashes to Glory Foundation, P.O. Box 532176, Livonia, Michigan 48153. www.ashestogloryfoundation.org/give/

To express condolences online, visit www.Preston-Hanley.com