Ralph E. Simpson

A funeral service celebrating the life of Ralph E. Simpson, age 89, of Newark, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 25, at Central Christian Church, 587 Mount Vernon Road, Newark, with Pastor Jeff Gill officiating. Burial will take place in Wilson Cemetery where military honors will be observed by the Licking County Veterans Alliance. Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, February 24, at Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home, 179 Granville Street, Newark. Ralph was born July 5, 1927 in Newark, Ohio to the late Fred and Flora (Berger) Simpson. He passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at Licking Memorial Hospital. Ralph was a veteran of the United States Navy and retired from Kaiser Aluminum after 35 years of service. A lifelong member of Central Christian Church, he was an Elder Emeritus at the church. Ralph was a former member of the Kaiser Retirees and the Heath Lions Club and was a Gold Star Father. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed Sudoku. He is survived by a daughter, Margaret L. Peg (Roby) Watson of Newark; dear friend, Millie Hannah of Newark; eleven grandchildren, Jason (Gina) Shonebarger, Kevin (Samantha) Simpson, Eric Simpson, Stacey (Leila) Simpson, Sean Simpson, Jennifer Watson, Roby Watson III, Ira (Lindsay) Watson, John Watson, Jacob Watson and Emma Watson; nine great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Deonda Simpson of Newark; and son-in-law, David Shonebarger of Findlay. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Joann L. (Boring) Simpson on August 31, 2006; by three children, Sgt. Douglas Simpson, Patricia Ann Shonebarger and Fred D. Simpson; and by one brother and two sisters. Memorial contributions may be made to Central Christian Church. Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home is honored to care for Ralph and his family.