Kenneth “Del” Simpson, 81, passed away peacefully the morning of February 15, 2026 at Glendale Gardens in Clinton, Missouri. Del was born in Urich, Missouri on July 2, 1944 to parents Cecil and Irene (Gragg) Simpson.
Del always appreciated a sharp look, which naturally led him to barber school after graduating from Clinton High School in 1962. His journey continued with the U.S. Air Force in 1967, where he served in the Engineering Corps at Wurtsmith Air Force Base. After returning to civilian life, Del built a career in manufacturing at Rival, but once it was time to move on he followed his entrepreneurial spirit to open Elite Dry Cleaners.
For Del, his greatest achievement wasn’t business, it was people. He took great pride in the vast network of friends and colleagues he gathered over the years, as well as his son Kyle. Beyond his professional life, he was an accomplished, near-scratch golfer with the trophies to prove it. He loved nothing more than the simple freedom of an evening drive, cruising around town or getting lost along some back roads.
Del was a proud supporter of the Clinton community as a member of the American Legion, Elks, and Meadow Lake Country Club.
Del is survived by his sister Dorothy Dunn & her husband Dale, son Kyle Simpson & his wife Daisy, and four grandchildren Isaac, Mary, Emma, and Thomas. He was proceeded in death by his parents and brother Cecil Eugene Simpson.
Graveside services will be at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, February 19, 2026 at Englewood Cemetery. Military services will be at the grave under the direction of the Air Force Funeral Honors and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1894. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home, Clinton. Condolences may be left online at www.bradleyhadley.com.
