Ervin Simper, 76, passed away June 5, 2016 in Preston, ID. He was born February 12, 1940 to John and Eulala Simper. He was raised in the Thomas, ID area and graduated from Snake River High School. His father died at the start of his senior year and Ervin was responsible to run the family farm while completing high school. He married Joyce Christenson on September 1, 1961 in the Idaho Falls, LDS temple. They made their home and started their family in the Blackfoot area. Later they moved to Marsh Valley where Ervin had an opportunity to farm with his cousin. They built a home and raised their family there. He later worked in construction and completed the Ironworkers Apprenticeship to become a Journeyman Ironworker. Ervin retired from Miller Bros. in 2006 after more than 20 years as a long-haul driver. He was active in the LDS church and served in various callings. Through his example he taught his family strong values and made family the focus and priority of his life. He was willing to lend a hand to anyone and enjoyed service in the community.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce; children, Suzette (Bryan) Sessions, Travis (Toni), Julie (Vance) Vallace, Jack (Vicki); brother, Dee (LaVon) Simper of Oregon; and 14 grandkids. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 10 at 12 noon in the Arimo LDS Stake Center. Friends may visit with the family at the Horsley's Marsh Valley Funeral Home, 570 N. Meadowview Dr. on Thursday from 7-8 p.m. and at the church Friday from 10:30-11:45 a.m. Burial will be in the Marsh Center Cemetery. The family wishes to thank the staff and doctors at the Franklin County Medical Center/Nursing Home. Condolences may be sent the family by visiting www.horsleyfuneralhome.com