Thomaston – Van Lee Simpson, 79, passed away, Tuesday, July 4, at his home. He
was the husband of the late Patricia (Meceli) Simpson.

Van was born April 24, 1938 in Lynchburg, TN, son of the late Paul E. and Jessie
Mae (Philpot) Simpson. He was raised in Redkey, IN, growing up and working from
an early age on the family farm. In the early 1960’s he moved to Stamford and met
his wife Patricia, where they started a family. They retired to Muncie IN in 2000, and in 2012 they moved to Thomaston.

Van enjoyed playing horseshoes and was a member of many leagues over his lifetime, including the
league at Prime Time and the Terryville Polish Club. Van will be remembered as a warm,
social person who easily made friends and enjoyed time with his family and trips
to the casino with his pals.

He is survived by two daughters, Lisa S. Saunders and her husband Robert of
Thomaston, with whom he resided, and Vickie Lynn Simpson of FL; one brother,
Jack Simpson of Muncie, IN (wife, Mary); one sister, Virginia Hauser of Pinellas Park, FL; many
grandchildren, including, Candace Saunders, Claire Saunders and Kristen Simpson
Goodwin, great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Geno
Meceli; his brother, Lucas “Bud” Simpson and his sister, Florence Russ.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 8, at 12:00 P.M. at the Lyons
Funeral Home 46 High St. Thomaston. Friends may call at the funeral home from
10:00 A.M. until the time of service. Burial will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made in Van’s name to the Thomaston Volunteer Ambulance Corps 237 South Main St. Thomaston, CT 06787.

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