In Memory Of
Alvie Dee Simpler
Alvie Dee Simpler
Alvie Dee Simpler, 86, of Junction City passed away at his residence on October 24, 2007. The family invites you to join them at the Courtyard by Marriott Convention Center on Monday, October 29th, between 7-9:30 p.m. for an informal evening of reminiscing and celebrating the life of Al Simpler. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that memorial contributions be given to the Al Simpler Memorial Fund, c/o Central National Bank, 802 N. Washington Street, Junction City, KS 66441. Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel is assisting the family with cremation arrangements.
Mr. Simpler was born July 4, 1921, in Strong City, OK to Jasper E. and Lula V. (Ratheel) Simpler. Al was the youngest of eight children. He attended high school at Stroud, OK, and was the first 4 year letterman in both football and basketball. He also played trumpet in the school and dance bands and had the lead in musicals and plays. He entered the United States Army Air Corps in January, 1942. His group was sent to the eastern side of Africa where they were attached to the British 8th Army and the United States Air Support Group for the routing of Rommel. While overseas, Al organized athletic teams and religious services for his group.
Al married his childhood sweetheart Helen Prather on October 21, 1944, in Sedan, KS. To this marriage were born three children: Alvie Dee Simpler, Jr., Janet Kay and Susan Dawn.
He received his Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education in January of 1949 and completed his Masters in Secondary Education in August of 1950. His teaching and coaching career began in Okeene, OK in September 1949-1951. He and his family moved to Hominy, OK. Where he taught Industrial Arts, Physical Education, and coached from 1951-1958. He moved to Junction City on May 31, 1958. Al's teaching and coaching career lasted until his retirement in June of 1983. Bob Honeyman, former writer for the Junction City Daily Union, often referred to Al's football and track years as "The Golden Years" at Junction City High School. Wherever Al Coached, he forged wonderful, lasting friendships with young men and women. He was a man of strength, courage, purpose and compassion, always feeling the responsibility to serve as a role model for the young people to whom he had dedicated his life.
Al was blessed with supportive, hardworking coaching staffs in Junction City, which included his son, Dee. Al was a mentor for the students involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at JCHS which met in the Simpler home for 23 years on a weekly basis. He also sponsored summer FCA trips to Estes Park for national meetings. He was inducted into the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame on May 28, 1988. The stadium at JCHS bears his name as prominent football and track coach.
He is survived by his wife Helen Simpler of Junction City. He is also survived by his children Dee Simpler and wife Blinda, Janet Simpler Pionkowski, and Susan Simpler Mann and husband Ron. His nine grandchildren are Darla Simpler Cooper, Douglas Simpler, Debbie Simpler Sobbing, Gillett Pionkowski Salinas, Graham Pionkowski, Jordan Pionkowski, Gabriel Pionkowski, Holly Simpler Briggs, Kyle Simpler Briggs. His sister Faye Weller is his surviving relative. His four young great-grandchildren will know their great-grandfather through loving memories.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, Clyde, Floyd, Jessy Mae, John, Laurene, and J.T.
Mr. Simpler was born July 4, 1921, in Strong City, OK to Jasper E. and Lula V. (Ratheel) Simpler. Al was the youngest of eight children. He attended high school at Stroud, OK, and was the first 4 year letterman in both football and basketball. He also played trumpet in the school and dance bands and had the lead in musicals and plays. He entered the United States Army Air Corps in January, 1942. His group was sent to the eastern side of Africa where they were attached to the British 8th Army and the United States Air Support Group for the routing of Rommel. While overseas, Al organized athletic teams and religious services for his group.
Al married his childhood sweetheart Helen Prather on October 21, 1944, in Sedan, KS. To this marriage were born three children: Alvie Dee Simpler, Jr., Janet Kay and Susan Dawn.
He received his Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education in January of 1949 and completed his Masters in Secondary Education in August of 1950. His teaching and coaching career began in Okeene, OK in September 1949-1951. He and his family moved to Hominy, OK. Where he taught Industrial Arts, Physical Education, and coached from 1951-1958. He moved to Junction City on May 31, 1958. Al's teaching and coaching career lasted until his retirement in June of 1983. Bob Honeyman, former writer for the Junction City Daily Union, often referred to Al's football and track years as "The Golden Years" at Junction City High School. Wherever Al Coached, he forged wonderful, lasting friendships with young men and women. He was a man of strength, courage, purpose and compassion, always feeling the responsibility to serve as a role model for the young people to whom he had dedicated his life.
Al was blessed with supportive, hardworking coaching staffs in Junction City, which included his son, Dee. Al was a mentor for the students involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at JCHS which met in the Simpler home for 23 years on a weekly basis. He also sponsored summer FCA trips to Estes Park for national meetings. He was inducted into the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame on May 28, 1988. The stadium at JCHS bears his name as prominent football and track coach.
He is survived by his wife Helen Simpler of Junction City. He is also survived by his children Dee Simpler and wife Blinda, Janet Simpler Pionkowski, and Susan Simpler Mann and husband Ron. His nine grandchildren are Darla Simpler Cooper, Douglas Simpler, Debbie Simpler Sobbing, Gillett Pionkowski Salinas, Graham Pionkowski, Jordan Pionkowski, Gabriel Pionkowski, Holly Simpler Briggs, Kyle Simpler Briggs. His sister Faye Weller is his surviving relative. His four young great-grandchildren will know their great-grandfather through loving memories.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, Clyde, Floyd, Jessy Mae, John, Laurene, and J.T.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Alvie Dee Simpler, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Service
Monday, October 29, 2007
Starts at 7:00 pm (Central time)
Marriott Convention Center
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