Obituary of Paul Simpson

Sedan - Paul Simpson Jr. of Sedan, Kansas died August 4th at the age of 79. He was born in Borger, Texas, the son of Paul and Nona (Middleton) Simpson on January 14, 1930. After graduating from Pampa High School, Paul enlisted in the Army where he spent four years in the Army Security Agency. We would tell you more about Paul's years in the Army if we knew more, but he never talked in details about his years as a "spy." After receiving an Honorable Discharge from the Army, Paul worked for Phillips Petroleum Company for a year before attending the University of Oklahoma where he met and married Mary Denman of Sedan, Kansas on September 4, 1954. Despite having a baby, working as a soda jerk, and rooting for his beloved Oklahoma Sooner Football team, Paul received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Petroleum Engineering in May 1957 and resumed working for Phillips. In 1961, the family moved to Sedan where he took over management of John M. Denman Oil Company. He later bought out Denman Brothers Oil Company and merged the two companies. Paul retired from actively managing the company in 2000, but maintained his professional license as a Petroleum Engineer until his death. Paul was passionate about serving his community, his church, and his profession. He served as President of the USD 286 School Board while his children were in school. As a member of Epiphany Episcopal Church, Paul was a Lay Reader, Chalicist, Vestryman, Senior Warden and member of the Choir. Locally he was a member of Lion's Club and the Chamber of Commerce. Paul belonged to Eastern Kansas Oil and Gas Association where he served as President for 2 terms. He was Southern Vice President of the Kansas Independent Oil and Gas Association for many years. He was on the First National Bank Board from 1966 to 2000 and was Chairman of the Board from 1981 until his retirement in 2000. He was Chairman of the Sedan City Hospital Board until 2008 and remained on the board there until his illness prevented him from attending meetings. He represented the Sedan Hospital as a member of the Board of Directors on Jane Phillips Medical Center for 18 years from 1991-2009. He was a founding member of the OU Energy Center and a member of the OU President's Associates. Paul's other passions included being with his family and friends, travel, music, dancing, and Sooner sports. He was a generous man, with a quick smile and an easy laugh, and a friend to all who met him. He is survived by his wife Mary of the home, daughter Wendy Simpson of Edmond, OK; sons John Simpson of Sedan and Mike Simpson and wife Amanda of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren Erin, Paul, Elizabeth, John, and James; and, brothers Stan Simpson of Alexandria, VA and Joe Simpson of Miami, OK. Family and Friends may sign the register book on Thursday, August 6, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Friday, August 7, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Sedan. Services will be held Saturday, August 8th at 11:00 at Epiphany Episcopal Church in Sedan. Burial will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery with Military rites will be conducted by the United States Army Honor Guard of Fort Riley, KS In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Epiphany Church, Sedan City Hospital, or Sedan Area Foundation in care of the David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 209 N. Douglas, Sedan, KS 67361.