Larry "Slim" Simpkins

Larry "Slim" Simpkins, 76, of Murphysboro, passed away at 8:38 p.m. Wednesday, November 23, 2016, at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro. Larry was born on October 26, 1940, in Mulkeytown, Illinois, to Kenneth Simpkins and Eva Mae (Martin) Simpkins. He was a retired U.M.W.A. member and he had worked at several area coal mines. Mr. Simpkins was a member of the First Christian Church in Murphysboro. Larry enjoyed riding his Harley, going fishing, and going on random car rides with his fluffy eared friend named Max. He also enjoyed attending the baseball games of his grandsons Tyler and William. Since his retirement, he enjoyed going for coffee with his friends at either Hardees or Cindy B's. He will most be remembered that "he knew it all!" He married Pat Levan on November 13, 1965, in Wolf Lake, Illinois, and she survives. They had four children of which three survive, Vickie (Murray) Bryant of Mayfield, KY, Deanna Barnett and Mark Schaede of Marion, and Danny (Angie) Simpkins of Murphysboro; five grandchildren Corey (Mallory) Anderer, Ashley Bryant, Lindsey Bryant, Sarah Bryant, and Tyler Simpkins; two great grandsons William Martin and Ayden Bryant; two brothers Ron (Glenda) Simpkins of Murphysboro and Rick Simpkins of Mt. Carmel, IL. He was preceded in death by one infant son Gary Lee Simpkins and his parents. His body will be cremated and a memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, November 29, 2016, at Pettett Funeral Home with Rev. Charles Allen officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. The family would prefer that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or to the American Heart Association. For more information, please visit www.pettettfuneralhome.com.