The Richmond News, June 28, 2024

Christopher Simpson

Marshall Christopher (Chris) Simpson, 58, of Zephyrhills, Fla., died Monday, June 10, 2024, in his home. Chris was born July 21, 1965, in Orange County, Calif., Hospital, the son of Wayne and Lynn (Denning) Simpson, who survive in their home in Bolivar. On Oct. 31, 2015, he married Donnette Genest, also a survivor. Chris was preceded in death by his stillborn sister, Christie Lynn Simpson; grandparents; and father-in-law, Bud O’Brien.

Other survivors include his mother-in-law, Vicki O’Brien; sisters-in-law, Jacque (Tom) Obbink and Brenda (Rodney) Imhoff; stepdaughters, Danielle (Dalton) Payne and Gabrielle (Devin) Mentz; son, Will Simpson; brother, Morgan (Lorrie); sister, Melissa (John); niece; and many nephews.

Chris lived most of his life in Richmond. He graduated from Richmond High School, attended one year at the University of Central Missouri and took electrical classes at MCC-Maple Woods.

He was a Boy Scout and a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.

He was active in high school wrestling and football. He coached Little League Wrestling, and was a wrestling referee for USA Kids Wrestling and area high schools, including district and sectional tournaments for more than 20 years. He received multiple honors, including All-Tournament Most Valuable Referee in 2005 at the Liberty National Wrestling Championships and USA Kids Dixie National Championships 2005 Most Valuable Referee.

He started his career with Missouri Public Service, which later became KCP&L. Many Richmond residents had Chris’ private phone number and called him, even when he was off duty, to repair their electrical service. He always helped them.

On Dec. 6, 2016, Chris was honored as the grand marshal of the Christmas Parade for hanging Christmas lights and decorations for many years around the Richmond Square.

In 2017, he and Donnette moved to Florida, where he went to work for Tampa Electric.

Chris was a loving husband, father, son and brother to his family. He will be missed.

Celebration of life services will be held Saturday, July 13, at the Richmond United Christian Presbyterian Church, 501 N. Spartan Drive. Visitation will be 10-11 a.m., with the service to begin at 11. A private family interment of ashes will be at Richmond Memory Gardens.

Donations in Chris’ memory can be made to the Richmond United Christian Presbyterian Church.