Jon Kirk Simpkins, 53, of Webster Groves, Missouri, passed away on August 20, 2025,
surrounded by his family at home while watching his beloved St. Louis Cardinals play
baseball.

Kirk was born December 19, 1971, in Princeton, Illinois, one of four children of Ruth and
Jon Simpkins. He earned his BA from Western Illinois University.

Kirk met his wife, Amy, while visiting Oxford, Mississippi. They spent the following
weekend at Mardi Gras with friends in New Orleans. That was the beginning of a life
together filled with friends, music, food and enough offbeat stories to keep everyone
laughing. Both Oxford and New Orleans would remain very special places to him.

Kirk and Amy married in New Orleans on August 5, 2000. He loved her deeply, their 25-
year marriage built on a genuine friendship. They initially made their home in Little
Rock, before moving to the St. Louis suburbs with their children, Jon Grayson and Anna
Claire. Gray and Anna Claire were the joy of Kirk’s life, and he showed them through his
example what loyalty, friendship and fun look like.

His loyalty was tested by rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals even when they were bad,
the New Orleans Saints even when they broke his heart, the Blues through multiple
“rebuilding years”, and the highs and lows of all Ole Miss sports. He remained a
dedicated fan until the end.

Kirk’s friendship never wavered. He modeled for his kids what lifelong relationships look
like. He remained close with several men from the neighborhood where he grew up,
who inexplicably called him “Lou,” never once pronouncing it using an inside voice. He
also cultivated adult friendships that were more like family.

He was a member of the All Western Fantasy Football League (AWFFL) for more than
30 years, and their annual “winter meeting” was legendary. Lou looked forward to the in-
person draft every year, connecting with extraordinary friends always having an
extraordinarily good time in each other’s company.

Kirk loved the beach, visiting as often as he could with his family, often meeting up with
friends there. He enjoyed live music, particularly Widespread Panic, all sports in a
stadium, and was a champion at brunch and dominos.

Kirk was preceded in death by his parents. In addition to his wife and children, he is
survived by his sister Betsy Simpkins, brothers Erich Simpkins (Brooke) and Patrick
Simpkins, along with nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who were
chosen family, all of whom he adored.

Services will be held The Gathering United Methodist Church, Webster Groves location,
921 Edgar Road, on September 8, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. Following, a Celebration of Life
will be held at The Hall at Olive and Oak, 216 W. Lockwood Avenue in Webster Groves
from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Miracle League
(www.miracleleauge.com), to ensure everyone knows the joy of sports, and Friends of
Kids with Cancer (www.friendsofkids.com), because cancer is hard enough, much less if
you are a kid.

Additionally, in memory of Kirk or Lou, however you knew him, the Simpkins ask that
you celebrate his life by finding the joy all around you. Reach out to an old friend, who
it’s been too long since you’ve spoken or enjoy a cold beverage during family game
night or cheer for your favorite team, no matter the score. When you get the chance, put
your toes in the sand to watch the sunset.