Melvin Simpson, 94, died July 31, 2011 at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center, Great Bend, Kansas. He was born June 17, 1917 at Newby, Oklahoma, the son of William Thomas and Sara (Davis) Simpson. He married Frances Elizabeth Jackson March 13, 1934 at Osceola, Missouri. A Great Bend resident since 1941, coming from Eaton, Colorado, Mr. Simpson 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, Frances, of the home; one son, Kenny W. Simpson and wife Denise, Fayetteville, Arkansas; three daughters: Ruby Feil and husband Ron, Great Bend; Doris Case and husband Glenn, Sacramento, California; and Barbara J. Espinosa and husband Robert, Great Bend; one sister, Betty Ruth Rasmussen, Faquay-Varina, North Carolina; twenty grandchildren; fifty 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 services will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 5, 2011 at First Assembly of God. Pastor Dwight Dozier will officiate. Burial will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, August 4, 2011 at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to First Assembly of God, in care of the funeral home.