Gary Simpkins Sr.

Gary R Simpkins Sr., 69, of Ottawa passed away Monday, August 10, 2015 at his home. Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 Friday, August 14, 2015 at Ottawa Funeral Home. Visitation will be 1:00 to 3:00 Friday at Ottawa Funeral Home prior to services. Cremation rites will be accorded following services. Gary was born May 16, 1946 Aurora, Illinois to Charles and Betty (Brown) Simpkins. He married Wendie Fancsali on June 28, 1969 in Aurora, Illinois; she passed away November 8, 2010. He retired after 30 years of employment at Caterpillar as a welder. Gary loved to collect eagles, enjoyed fishing, and collecting coins. He also enjoyed mowing his lawn, working on home improvement projects, woodworking, and spending time in the cabin in Winter, Wisconsin. He took pride working in the garage on his 1965 Pontiac LeMans. He was a member of the UAW and NRA. He is survived by his two children, Gary (Sarah) Simpkins, Jr. of Sheridan and Christie (Chad) Marshall of Ottawa; six grandchildren, Shelby, Hayle, Jake, Makayla, Trevor, and Morgan; his twin sister, Karla (Daryl) Fitch of Streator; two brothers, Chuck (Pat) Simpkins of Oswego and Tom (Pat) Simpkins of Sims, IL; two brothers-in-law, Todd (Conni) Fancsali and David (Brusan) Fancsali; his best friend, Terry Eblin of Ohio; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Wendie; and his beloved cats, Sissy and Hooch. Memorials may be directed to his family.