Bernard Edgar (Bernie) Simpkins went to be with his Lord and Savior on 10/8/2025 after a long hard fought battle w/ dementia. Bernie’s mind has been made clear, his body is restored, and he’s surrounded by God’s perfect love. He was the oldest of 7 kids born to Stewart and Elsie (May) Simpkins on July 14, 1937. He grew up in Salisbury Pennsylvania and attended high school before enlisting in the United States Air Force. He served six years and was last stationed at the Larson Air Force Base in Moses Lake, WA upon discharge in 1963. He then began working at Pronto Foods as an electrician, continuing to live in Moses Lake.

Bernie met his soulmate, Carol Ann Noble, while working at Pronto Foods. They were married on March 11, 1967 in Coeur d’ Alene, ID.

After 7 years working in the Moses Lake Grant County area, the family later would end up in the Tri-Cities and eventually call Benton City home for 10 good years. Bernie was hired by United Nuclear to work as an Electrician supporting the 100 and 200 areas of the Hanford site. He was a hard worker led by example and expected others to follow.

Bernie was most comfortable wearing overalls, his cowboy hat and boots. He enjoyed many years in his garden, and watching TV (sports, westerns, and Hee Haw). Bernie took early retirement from Hanford at the age of 60, and a few years later stepped up to help raise his grandchildren, and it was evident how much he enjoyed the opportunity. He provided many wagon rides to local donut shops and parks and enjoyed his one on one time taking grandkids to and from school. Bernie showed his grandchildren the right balance of love mixed with discipline. Bernie’s love language was acts of service, he enjoyed doing things to help others expecting nothing in return, just his way of showing his affection. Bernie very much believed actions spoke louder than words, and he lived it.

Bernie is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carol; son Michael; daughter Rhonda (grandchildren: Stephanie Stamper and Sidney Nielsen (Nathan); son Paul (Meghann, grandchildren: Kaitlin Calvert (Matthew), Trent Simpkins (Mairynn), Troy Simpkins (Aissa), Haylee Hansen, and Michael Hansen); son Patrick (grandchildren: Megan Simpkins and Corey Simpkins), as well as 10 great grandchildren.