Obituary of Rev. Kenneth Simpson

The Reverend Kenneth H. Simpson, 83, of Cortland passed away August 3, 2015 at the Cortland Regional Medical Center. He was born November 28, 1931 in Venetia, PA the son of the late Guy Boyer and Rachel Hast Simpson. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 58 years Nina Simpson, his infant daughter Laraine and son Stephen. He is survived by his daughters Shelley (Arthur) Green of Saugerties NY, Robyn George of Ellicottville NY, Sherlyn (Gary) Pallassino of Cortland NY, his son Christopher (Jennifer) Simpson of Owego NY, grandchildren; Christina and Stephanie Simpson, Michael, Alexandra, and Rachel Pallassino, Katelyn, Brian, and Dylan Simpson, several nieces and nephews. Mr. Simpson was a graduate of Peters Township High School in McMurray, PA, received his B.A. from Alderson Broaddus College, Philippi, WV and a M.Div. from Colgate Rochester Divinity School, Rochester, NY. He was ordained in the Lincoln Baptist Church, Lincoln, NY in 1957 and served pastorates in Clarksburg, WV, Lincoln, NY and South New Berlin, NY. Prior to his retirement in 1993 he served as pastor of the First Baptist Church of Owego, NY for twenty-five years. He's currently a member of Christ Community Church, Cortland, NY. The American Baptist Churches of USA honored Rev. Simpson with the Rosa O. Hall Award for outstanding leadership in Town and Country Churches in 1975. He participated in the March on Washington where he heard Dr. Martin Luther King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech. He served on various boards and committees of the ABC/NYS as well as boards of the Upstate Home For Children, Tioga and Chenango County Habitats for Humanity. He was head of Area III Youth Ministries, led work mission tours to Central America, served on school boards, Village of Owego and Tioga County Social Services committees, Peace Groups, Council of Churches, and Rescue Mission. Calling hours will be held Thursday from 4-7 PM at Wright-Beard Funeral Home, 9 Lincoln Ave. Cortland NY, with a service on Friday 11AM at the funeral home. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider a church or charity of one's choice.