Byron Glen Simpson was born on July 30, 1936, in Parkville, Missouri, to John Wilmer Simpson and Mildred (Colville) Simpson. He grew up working on the family farm in Edgerton, Missouri, and attended high school in Gower, Missouri. During his youth, he was selected through his 4-H leadership to serve as a delegate and meet President Harry S. Truman before graduating in 1954.
Byron attended the University of Missouri–Columbia, where he was a member of Alpha Gamma Sigma. He graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Husbandry. After college, he joined the United States Army Reserves, where he served as a Military Policeman.
On June 7, 1959, Byron married Janice Bodenhausen. She survives of the home.
In 1963, Byron and Janice moved to Hamilton, Missouri, where he founded Byron G. Simpson and Son Farms, specializing in Duroc swine. Byron bred champion-level animals and took great pride in his work in genetics. Simpson and Son held large auctions every summer for many years, attracting buyers from across the United States. Byron also shipped and delivered animals across the country and around the world.
He retired from farming in 2007, and he and Janice settled in Kearney, Missouri. Byron joined First Christian Church in Kearney and later started a lawn care service that he operated until 2023. Known for his work ethic, Byron worked hard nearly every day of his life, well into his eighties.
Byron was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Kenneth Simpson.
Survivors include his wife, Janice Simpson; his sister, Linda (Olan) Stemme of Herman, Missouri; his children, Tammy (Steve) Gregory of Hendersonville, Tennessee, Scott (Shelly) Simpson of Parkville, Missouri, and SeAnne (Danny) Gregory of Kearney, Missouri; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, high expectations, and the respect of his family and friends.
Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m., March 17, at First Christian Church in Kearney, with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to NorthCare Hospice House of Kansas City.
Published by Courier-Tribune from Mar. 10 to Mar. 18, 2026.
For more obituaries visit our obituaries page.
This obituary was published by Hidden Valley Funeral Home of Kearney.
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