Melvin Clay Simpson, 94, died July 31, 2011, at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was born June 17, 1917, at Newby, Okla., the son of William Thomas and Sara (Davis) Simpson. He married Frances Elizabeth Jackson on March 13, 1934, at Osceola, Mo. A Great Bend resident since 1941, coming from Eaton, Colo., he was owner and operator of Murray-Simpson Casing Crews.

Mr. Simpson was a member of First Assembly of God, where he was a deacon.

Survivors include his wife, of the home; one son, Kenny W. Simpson and wife Denise of Fayetteville, Ark.; three daughters, Ruby Feil and husband Ron of Great Bend, Doris Case and husband Glenn of Sacramento, Calif., and Barbara J. Espinosa and husband Robert of Great Bend; one sister Betty Ruth Rasmussen of Fuquay-Varina, N.C.; 20 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren and numerous great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son, Melvin Wayne Simpson Jr.; one daughter, Nelta Irene Jones; two brothers, Albert Simpson and Vonley Simpson; two sisters, Maybelle Thomas and Goldie Richardson; and two grandchildren, Cathy Marshall and Randy Marshall.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at First Assembly of God in Great Bend, with Pastor Dwight Dozier officiating. Interment will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to First Assembly of God, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.