Walter Nolie Simpson, Jr. was born on Feb. 23, 1951, in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Walter and Clara (Pegues) Simpson. They moved to Independence, Kansas after his father died in 1952. Bishop Simpson entered the USD 446 school system attending kindergarten through high school where he graduated in May 1969. During his time in high school he played sports including football, track and basketball. After high school he attended Independence Community College. In 1971, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After basic training he married Arthurene (Scott) Simpson on July 14, 1971. To this union, two sons were born, Anthony Nolan and Timothy Watson. Walter was elevated to the position of Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps after which he was honorably discharged.
Walter worked various jobs in supporting his family. But his absolute joy was serving his community. His community service in Independence included serving on the school board where he was elected twice. He also served on the Kansas School Board Association where he was also elected twice.
Walter Simpson was called to the ministry in 1977 and trained under Supt. Virgil E. Watson. He was licensed and later ordained in 1982 under Bishop William H. McDonald. Elder Simpson was appointed as pastor of Pittsburg Church of God Christ church on Dec. 18, 1982, by Bishop William H. McDonald. After seeking God's face in prayer and fasting and with the approval of the church, the Lord called for him to go another direction. Thus, he renamed the church Lighthouse Temple. In 2014, Elder Simpson co-founded Pentecostal Churches Independent and was consecrated as Bishop and served as Lead Bishop and Executive Board member until his demise.
In 2022, Bishop Simpson co-founded LPF Homes or Leveling the Playing Field Homes. LPF Homes provides a path to home ownership to previously renting Individuals in Southeast Kansas. Currently there are over 30 homes that have come forth from this program, and LPF Homes is currently building homes from the ground up.
He is preceded in death by his Father and Mother Walter and Clara Simpson, One Brother Calvin Reed, one sister Doris Bray. Stepbrothers Luther Reed Jr., Eddie Reed, Cecil Reed, and Phillip Wesley.
He is survived by his wife Arthurene Simpson of Pittsburg, KS. Two sons, Anthony (Audrey-wife), and Timothy (Desiree - wife). Five grandchildren Janai, Karrell, Tamia, Bryson, and Kylee. And one Great-grandson Kairo Jahlani. He also leaves behind siblings Linda Johnson (Zeke), Helen Jean Clayton, Melvin Simpson (Sandra), Clifford Wright (Debbie) Clinton Reed (DeLisa), and a stepbrother Clarence Reed. A host of nieces and nephews,
Uncle Jeff and Aunt Donna Simpson, cousins, God Children extended family, friends, and his PCI and Lighthouse Temple church family.
Funeral Services will be 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 17, 2026, at the Lighthouse Temple Ministries 202 W. 9th Pittsburg, KS 66762. Family will receive friends from 5:30-6:30 prior to the service at the church. Additional Funeral Services will be 12 p.m. Saturday July 18, 2026, at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts 1711 S. Homer St. Pittsburg, KS 66762. Family will receive friends from 10:30-12:00 prior to the service at the Center. Burial will follow at the Ft. Scott National Cemetery 1:30 p.m. Monday, July 20, 2026, with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family asks expressions of sympathy to be in the form of memorials to Lighthouse Temple Ministries. Friends may drop off or mail memorials to Bath-Naylor Funeral Home 522 S. Broadway Pittsburg, KS 66762. Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com. Arrangements and services are under the direction of Bath-Naylor Funeral Home of Pittsburg, KS.
