Leoance William Simpson - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Leoance William Simpson

November 15, 1948 - March 8, 2014

Leoance William Simpson, age 65, of Bear, DE passed away on March 8, 2014.

The son of George and Marion, Leoance grew up in Wilmington’s Forty Acres, and graduated from H. Fletcher Brown Technical High School in 1966. A Master Electrician, Leoance worked in the electrical trade until 1978 when he accepted a position at DuPont Glasgow Site. He retired as a Project Engineer from DuPont Experimental Station in 2011.

In 1980 he married Kathleen Brown and was a loved and valued member of the Brown family. He earned the nickname Arn (for Arnold Palmer) as his father-in-law’s golfing partner at the DuPont Country Club, and was a dedicated player, in fair weather and foul, from the mid-Eighties on, including stints with Bob Taylor’s Golf League and his regular outings with former co-workers and other retirees at the DuPont Country Club. Forming a two-man team in Taylor’s Golf League gave Leoance and Kevin Murphy a Championship.

Leoance and his wife Kathy were frequenters of musicals in New York City and fans of the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall; their favorite vacations together entailed long cruises with Disney Cruise Line, including trips to northern Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, and the Caribbean, as well as regular visits to Ocean City, MD.

A talented wood-worker, Leoance was known for his ability to build anything requested, from cabinets to chests, and for his ability to plan and construct many home additions such as a two-car garage, a free-standing structure for an indoor pool, and the Taj Ma-Porch, a sun-room on the back of his house. A proud home-owner in Bear, Delaware, Leoance’s lawn-care rivaled that of the golf courses he loved and frequented.

Leoance Simpson’s sudden passing is sadly regretted, and he is fondly remembered by his in-laws in the Brown family, Eric, Jerry, Don and Mary and daughter Kajsa, Tom and Sarah and sons James, Sam, and Michael.

Leoance is deeply missed by his wife of 33 yrs, Kathleen. He is mourned and survived by his children from a previous marriage: daughter, Stephanie Rhoads, her sons, Joshua, granddaughter, Ella, and Jonathan; daughter, Sara, her son, Nicholas, granddaughter, Shylah, and daughter, Taylor; and step-son, Larry Vavalla; and his brother Kenny, wife Veronica, and their daughter Erin.

Services and interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 92 Read’s Way, Ste. 205, New Castle, DE 19720.

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9 Condolences for Leoance William Simpson

  • Leon’s former DuPont coworkers at the Ex.Station are deeply saddened by his sudden passing. His family will be in our daily thoughts & prayers. We’ll dearly miss the jovial golf outings we participated in with our friend Leon!

  • Kathy,

    You have always told such wonderful stories about your many vacations with Leoance. May those same memories now offer peace and comfort during this time. Please accept my heartfelt condolences on your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Regards,

    Cheryl

  • So sorry for your loss Stephanie my prayers go out to you and your family, may everyday be a day to reflect all the good times you shared with your father, we love you

  • I worked with Leon while at DuPont. He was one of the funniest people I ever had the pleasure of working
    with. He could really get you laughing with his sense of humor and the stories he would tell. I will miss him. Best wishes to his wife and family.

    Rest in peace Leon,
    Gerry

  • What a great guy!! Leoance you will be sadly missed by the golf league and also by our family. You were such a nice friend and neighbor to us all, always there to help if we needed you. So thoughtful. Kathy you had some great times with your wonderful husband. He is gone too soon but will not be forgotten, there will be smiles when people remember Leoance. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
    Rest in Peace

  • We were shocked and saddened to learn of Leons passing. I was fortunate to play golf with Leon at The Dupont Country Club, we’re we had many fun rounds and laughs. Our deepest sympathy to his family.

  • Kathy

    Leon was a good friend and a good golfing buddy. Leon was so handy and willing to help. me. He rewired my old house and helped put in a new electrical panel. I loved golfing with him. Not matter what score he was shooting he would flash a big grin when he hit a long drive and say ” That’ll work!” Dave Stahlhut, Jack Strantz played ever Saturday. There was a groove of trees that Leon would drive the ball into on the 13th hole.
    One morning before we played I got up early and made a sign “Simpsons woods” and drove to the course and Posted the sign at the woods . When
    we got to the 13th tee , Leon sure enough hit the ball in Simpson’s woods. Boy did we get a laugh. When we got done other of his friend commented” Are you the Simpson that the woods are named after.
    We will miss Leon but his memories will live on forever! Kathy you and Leon will be in my prayers.

    God Bless you Tom

  • My sincere condolences to Kathy and to the entire Simpson and Brown families for their loss. Leoance was many things to many people. I knew him best as a loyal booster of Wm. Penn athletics. For me he was a special member of the Brown-Simpson family that will always hold a dear and warm place in my heart.
    Sincerely, Bruce Reynolds

  • Mrs.Simpson

    My name is Charles Loftus, and I am the locksmith for the Dupont Experimental Station.
    I am sorry to see about Leoance ‘s passing. I am familiar with his woodworking abilities,
    and was a good electrician . I wish the best to you and your family.