Thomas Simpkins, Jr.

Thomas "Tom Dog" Simpkins, Jr., 47, of Carmichaels, Pa., died at 9:08 A.M. on Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at the Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, W. Va. after a six month battle with cancer. He was born December 16, 1965 in Morgantown, W. Va., a son of Celesta I. (McCune) Hegedis, with whom he made his home in Carmichaels, and the late Thomas William Simpkins. Mr. Simpkins was a 1984 graduate of Carmichaels Area High School and in his youth, attended the Greene Valley Presbyterian Church where he enjoyed playing softball. He worked as a deck hand for Mon River Towing and Tri River Towing on the Monongahela and Ohio Rivers. Mr. Simpkins was last employed as a Subaru mechanic at Bortz Chevrolet Subaru. He was a member of the Crucible Citizen's Club and a social member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3491 in Carmichaels and American Legion Post 816 in Rices Landing, Pa. Mr. Simpkins enjoyed fishing and NASCAR and was a great fan of the West Virginia University football team. Surviving are two sons, Joshua L. Hegedis, at home, Thomas W. Simpkins, III of Nemacolin, Pa.; three daughters, Ashley N. Simpkins of Crucible, Pa., Leslie G. Simpkins at home and Haley D. Simpkins of Nemacolin. He cherished being "Poppy" to his four grandchildren, John, Xavier, Conner and Jaz-myn. Also surviving are a brother, Michael L. Simpkins of Morgantown, W. Va.; three sisters, Pam K. Gamble and her husband, Daniel, of Route 13, Morgantown, Celesta A. Hixenbaugh and her husband, Brandon, of Carmichaels and Tommi L. Livingston and her husband, Scott, of Martinsburg, W. Va. and several nieces and nephews. Deceased is his step father, Stephen Edward Hegedis. Family and friends are welcome from 4 to 8 P.M. on Friday in the Yoskovich Funeral Home, Carmichaels, Pa. where the funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, December 29, 2012. The Rev. Harold O. Kelley will officiate.