John L. Simbeck

ELLSWORTH, MAINE – John Louis Simbeck died February 23, 2014. He was born July 23, 1931, in DuBois, Pennsylvania, the son of Norbert Henry and Catherine Lois (Hart) Simbeck. John graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in DuBois, PA and Newman University, Wichita, KS earning a BS Degree in Industrial Management. John was a veteran of the US Army Reserves (field Artillery) for four years and the US Air Force for 23 years. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal (NATO), Air Force Commendation Medals, and other awards. He served at various overseas locations in Canada, Europe, Middle East and Southeast Asia, retiring in February 1979 as a Senior Master Sergeant. After retirement from the military, he was employed by Coleman, Manpower, and retired again in 1995 from Boeing in Wichita, KS. He was a Life member of the American Legion and a charter member of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus (KofC) assembly 2138, and Life member of KofC Council 4458 Derby, KS and Council 1036, Ellsworth, ME, holding various offices in both councils and assembly. John had resided in Kansas for 27 years prior to moving to Maine in 2001. He enjoyed building, refinishing and restoring furniture. John was predeceased in death by his first wife, of 44 years, Teresa Catherine (Hemler), his parents, sisters: Elizabeth and Norma, and brother, Joseph. He is survived by his current wife, Donna Mary (Bennett) Simbeck, a high school sweetheart he married in November 2001; his brother James and wife, Linda, of TX; five children, sons, John II and wife, Elise, of WA; Jeffrey and partner, Robby Guinta of MO; William and wife, Anna, of KS; daughters, Diane Fortenberry and husband, Shawn, of TX; Kathy Popejoy and husband, Steven, of MO; stepdaughter Victoria Moseley and husband, Edward of FL; stepson, Michael Bennett of NY, 25 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and 27 nieces and nephews. Friends are invited to visit John at Smith Family Mortuary on Monday, March 3, 2014 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at 1415 N. Rock Road, Derby, Kansas. Recitation of the Rosary 7:00 p.m. Monday, March 3, 2014 and a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 4, 2014, both at St. Mary Catholic Church, 2300 E. Meadowlark, Derby, Kansas with the Rev. David Lies, pastor, with Knights of Columbus and military honors. Interment will be in the family plot at Old Mission Cemetery, Wichita, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to Emmaus Center, 51 Main Street, Ellsworth, Maine 04605. Send condolences via www.SmithFamilyMortuaries.com.