Obituary of Daniel Boone Simpkins

Daniel Boone Simpkins

Of Accoville, WV

   Daniel Boone Simpkins, 80, of Accoville has fought a good fight, has finished his course, has kept his faith, and has now received his crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4: 7-8). While departing from this world on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 from LRMC surrounded by his loving family, he was welcomed into Heaven by his loving Savior and reunited with his loving wife, Dolores.  Our loss is truly Heaven’s gain.

   He was born October 14, 1937, at Accoville, a son of the late George W. Simpkins and Lydia Hinkle Simpkins Weaver.

   In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 47 years, Dolores; his parents-in-law, Ora and Verlie Christian; brother, Charles Eli (Geneva) Simpkins; half-brothers, Andrew J. and Cullen Leo (Virginia) Simpkins; half-sisters, Virginia Anderson and Nadine Chafin; brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law, Herman & Carol Christian and Truman & Freda Johnston; and son-in-law, Allen Eddy Sr.

   Daniel was known by many as Boone, Bro. Boone, or Papaw Boone, and he wore many “hats” over the years.  He was a wonderful and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend to many but the one he wore the proudest was being a child of God.  Boone never met a stranger, and he loved his Lord and God with all of his heart, all of his soul, and all of his mind. He was saved on Nov. 10, 1979 and was a faithful and dedicated member of the Mt Olive FWB Church for almost 39 years.  Brother Boone has served proudly and unselfishly as a deacon (ordained in May 1981) and Sunday School Superintendent for 38 years.  He immediately started working for the Lord by faithfully visiting the sick in the hospital, primarily Man ARH before it closed and Logan General; by being a comfort to the mourning families as he attended the wakes and funerals in the Man and surrounding areas; by being Papaw Boone to many young children through the years as they attended Sunday School, roamed the neighborhood, or were friends of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren  who still fondly call him Papaw Boone; he took pride in making sure the gates and doors were open and the grass was mowed at church, taking great comfort in knowing that when he was not able he had fine young men that he loved dearly taking his place; and for the last 5 years or so, he was recognized by the Ladies Aide as being the #1 seller for the Peanut Butter Eggs at Easter and was jokingly and lovingly referred to as an “honorary member” because he took his wife’s place in supporting the Ladies Aide.  He loved to cook and was known for his peanut butter fudge, fried apple pies, and beans and cornbread that he so generously shared with family, church family, and friends.  Boone enjoyed trout fishing and could often be seen on the banks of Buffalo Creek, RD Bailey, Rock House or Laurel Lake and in just a short time he “caught his six and headed home”!  Knowledgeable about the mountains, he loved gathering berries, picking shawnee and tangle-gut, and unselfishly sharing the bounty with family and friends.  He was equally generous with the fruits of his garden that he worked diligently on every year.  Boone was a disabled coal miner and a proud member of the UMWA District 17.

   He was Our Abraham and the Rock of Our family and is lovingly survived by his six children – Lora Eddy of Anchorage, AK, Julie (Pedro) Hensley of Robinette, Larry (Latira “Kricket”) Simpkins and Gina Workman of Accoville, Barbara (Grant) Gambill of Amherstdale, and Susie (Alan) Bailey of Robinette; by his grandchildren, Allen (Jamie) Eddy, Daniel (Stephanie) Eddy, Leighann (Benn) Dunn, Matthew Hensley, Mallorie (Jamie) Hall, Stephanie (Matt) Lusk, Melissa (Matt) Grimmett, Crystal (Shane) Frye, John (Laura Beth) Workman, Stacie (Matt) Ellis, Jessica (Storm) Stevens, Rebecca (Mike) Crosby, Kimberly Bailey, Jill Rogers, Beth Rogers,  Kimberly Eddy, Shawn (Paul) Bean, Robin (Dee) Pryor, and David Kovach; his great-grandchildren….Danny, Brooklyn, Emily, Hunter, Gunnar, James, Katie, Braden, Brooklyn, Blake, Brenton, Lacey, Wade, Zack, Cameran, Shyanna, Ryker, Sophia, Madison, Oliver, Sarah, Emily, Hayley, Jayla, Noah, Eden, Kimberly, and Paul.  He is also survived by his church family, by many wonderful friends, and a host of nieces and nephews.

   Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 19^th, 2018, at Mt Olive FWB Church at Accoville Hollow with Reverends Alan Bailey, Billy Gibson, James Short Jr and Bro. Johnny Hill officiating.   Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens at Godby.

   Friends may call from 6-9 p.m. on Friday at the Krantz McNeely Funeral Home at Man and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.

   Pallbearers will be his family who will be honored to take his mortal body to his final resting here on Earth, but Praise unto God, his soul is now at rest in the presence of our Father.

   In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Mt Olive FWB Church, P.O. Box 11, Accoville, WV 25606 and designated to the Children’s Fund, which provides gifts to needy children in our area at Christmas, OR to the Deacons Fund, which provides Thanksgiving Baskets to families in need, and both were strongly supported by our dad.

   Online condolences may be sent to www.krantzmcneelyfuneralhome.com

   Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Krantz-McNeely Funeral Home at Man.