Calvin L. Simpson

Calvin L. Simpson, an admired and loved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather, friend, passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 99 on February 1, 2025 in Canton, Ohio. Born in Jackson to the late Orrville and Ida Mae Simpson, he worked hard during the Depression to help support his family growing up. He was married to his beloved wife, Marilyn, for nearly 64 years until her death in 2011. They met during World War II at a Thanksgiving dinner while his ship was being repaired and his wife was a nursing student in San Francisco. He was proud of his 3 years of WW II wartime services in the Navy and as a reservist for many years, reaching the rank of lieutenant. Calvin retired from the Timken Company after nearly 40 years as Director of Internal Auditing.

A graduate of The Ohio State University, he remained a loyal, avid fan of The Ohio State University football as well as Perry High School football. Calvin was both a treasurer of The Wilderness Center and served in many roles at the Reedurban Presbyterian Church for many years. He loved being outside, especially planting his tomatoes, as well as traveling with family. Most of all, Calvin cherished time spent with all his beloved family including watching his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren growing up. Calvin is survived by his children: Larry (Malou) Simpson, Nancy (Steve) Lonsinger, and Douglas Simpson; as well as beloved siblings: two sisters: Anna Butts, Shirley (Dave) Backus, and a brother, Ted Simpson. He is survived by nine grandchildren: Angie, Jodi and Erik (Barb) Simpson, Kate (Brandon) Couden, Hans (Sarah) Lonsinger, Ivan (Rhea) Celeridad, Ian, Alexis, and Angel Simpson. He is also survived by ten great-grandchildren: Andrew Eagling, Allison (Shaun) Compton, Hope (Kristopher) Dibble, Maria and Bryce Simpson, Oscar and Charlotte Couden, Ruger and Bo Lonsinger, Ava Celeridad; and two great-great grandchildren: Ava and Evan Compton; as well as many special numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by a beloved son, George Simpson; as well special siblings: brothers: Eddie, George and Larry Simpson and sisters: Virginia Hartley, Iva Hutchison, Ruth Exline, Florence Lanford, Margie Hembree; as well as many cherished brothers and sisters in law, nieces and nephews. Family was always very important to him including all the Jackson County Simpson decedents as well as the Friel family.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to: Dr. Gilbert Rowley, Dr. Clifford Johnson and Catherine Fliger, LPN, for their extraordinary care they provided for Dad over the years. Special thanks to Stephanie’s Angels, especially to Michelle and Stephanie for their loving homecare for Dad his last few years. A special thanks to Dad’s barber of many years, Scott Marino, for his friendship and care and to Dad’s thoughtful neighbors: Tiffany, Terry Sterner and family for many acts of kindness. Also, special thanks to Aultman Hospice nurse, Amy, for her compassionate care as Dad peacefully passed away.

Calling hours for Calvin L. Simpson will be Friday, February 7 from 6 PM to 8 PM at Reed Funeral Home Canton Chapel at 705 Raff Road SW in Canton. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, February 8 at Reedurban Presbyterian Church on Perry Drive in Canton. Burial will be held at Sunset Hills Memory Gardens in North Canton.

In lieu of flowers, family requests donations to a choice of: Reedurban Presbyterian Church, Castaway Critters of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, or the The Wilderness Center. Please visit www.reedfuneralhome.com to sign the online guestbook.