Danny Simpson, 79 of Brookport, Illinois passed away peacefully on Sunday July 26, 2026 at Baptist Health Hospital in Paducah Kentucky. He was born on September 18, 1947 to Opha and Virginia Mae (Smith) Simpson.

Danny was a dedicated, hardworking and loving husband and father who would do anything to make sure his family was taken care of. He spent a majority of his working years as an over the road truck driver, as an owner & operator and later spent many years farming and driving a tractor. He never met a stranger and would give his last dime to someone in need. The only thing as strong as his work ethic was the love he had for his family and his compassion for animals-taking in and loving countless strays over the years.

Known by his family and many others as “Papaw”, spending time with the ones he loved was his greatest joy.

Known for his love of fast cars as a young man, he also enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout his life. Underneath his gruff exterior, was a tender heart and jokester who loved playing pranks and making people laugh.

Their home was full of love with an open door policy-giving a home to anyone needing a place to stay.

Danny is survived by his children, Ronnie Traversy (Mallary), Cherie Nicole Simpson Autry (Robert), Heather Traversy (fiancé Keith Reily) and Katie Choate; grandchildren, Tessa, Blayne and Hadlee Traversy, Cheyanne and Wyatt Autry, Roger Forthman III and Amber Forthman, Braedan and Danyelle Holmes; 8 great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins; sister-in-law, Pat Giltner (Steve); sister-in-law, Carolyn Scott; brother-in-law, Alan Jeffords; and his beloved dogs, Mia and Benny.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Opha and Virginia Mae Simpson; his loving wife of 49 years, Debra (Duncan) Simpson whom he married on June 18, 1976; daughter, Robin Harmon; mother-in-law and father-in-law: William Melvin and Shirley Ann (Edwards) Duncan; granddaughter, Clarissa Henry; brother-in-law, William Melvin Duncan “Junior”; brother-in-law, Hughie Scott; sister-in-law, Cindy Jeffords; brother-in-law, Billy Frank Duncan; and his fur babies, Elaina and Rose.

Danny’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday August 1, 2026 at the Loftus McManus Brookport Funeral Home with Pastor Dee Ann Thompson officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Sterling Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 11:00am -1:00pm on Saturday August 1, 2026 at the Loftus McManus Brookport Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be: Eddie Averitt, Keith Reily, Roger Forthman III, Tyler Weideking, Jim LaGore and Dawson Clark.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: John LaFont, Matt LaFont, Drew LaFont and Kenneth Ramer.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Loftus McManus Brookport Funeral Home.