COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. - Staff Sgt. Francis Tyler Simpkins, 23, died Monday, May 23, 2005.
Services will be at 10 a.m. today in Cal Farley's Boys Ranch Chapel in Boys Ranch, Texas, with Cory Wall officiating. Burial will be in Boys Ranch Cemetery by Schooler Funeral Home of Amarillo, Texas, 4100 S. Georgia St.
Staff Sgt. Simpkins was born June 21, 1981. He grew up at Cal Farley's Boys Ranch and graduated in 1999. He participated in many ranch activities. He excelled in the rodeo as a bull fighter, later becoming a pro. When he could, he later returned to teach with Lyle Shankey Rodeo school, which was held at the ranch annually.
He joined the Army and served in Iraq for 14 months. Staff Sgt. Francis Tyler Simpkins distinguished himself in service to his country. He attended One Station Unit Infantry Training at Fort Benning, Ga. Upon completion, he was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment in June 2000. While assigned to A. Co., SSG Simpkins advanced through the ranks with lightning speed. He served as SAW gunner, Bradley crewman, team leader and lastly as squad leader.
Staff Sgt. Simpkins' awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer's Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Expert Infantryman's Badge and Combat Infantryman's Badge. He earned the Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year award in 2002 within the 4000 man 3rd Brigade Combat team. He also earned the Audie Murphy award.
In 2003 and 2004, he served with the utmost distinction during a 12-month tour in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon returning, he was a part of the Army realignment which redesignated A Co. to the 1-68 AR Battalion. Staff Sgt. Simpkins' military professional development schools include the Primary Leadership Development Course, Combat Lifesaver's Course, and Bradley Crew Evaluator Course.
He was preceded in death by his father, Sonny Simpkins; and a sister, Andrea Burt.
Survivors include two children, Coltin Simpkins and Keegen Simpkins, both of Colorado Springs; his former wife, Kim Simpkins of Colorado Springs; a sister, Lori Stanhope and husband, Mike, of Amarillo; his mother, Alesa Scales of Borger, Texas; his house parents, mom and dad, Madaline and Troy Dunn of Boys Ranch, his brothers and Boys Ranch family; two nieces; a nephew; his grandparents, Marie Cacey and Buddy Simpkins; and numerous aunts and uncles.
The family suggests memorials be to Cal Farley's Boys Ranch, 600 W. 11th Ave., Amarillo, TX 79174.