COLUMBUS -- Dari Simpson, 50, of Columbus died Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2008, at his home.

He was born March 8, 1958, in Garrett to Dareld C. and Betty L. (Hill) Simpson. He grew up in Parsons and Columbus and graduated from Columbus Unified High School in 1976. He attended Pittsburg State University with a bachelor of science in printing management and technology in 1982. He was a printer with the Midwest Color Graphics in Columbus.

He married Elizabeth Meriwether on Sept. 18, 1983, in Columbus. She survives at Joplin. He enjoyed sports and coaching baseball and football.

Additional survivors include his parents, Dareld C. Sr. and Betty Simpson of Columbus; two sons, Sam Simpson and Joe Simpson, both of Joplin; a daughter, Jenny Simpson of Joplin; a brother, David Simpson of rural Weir; and a sister, Janie Jarrett of rural Baxter Springs.

A private family burial was to take place later.

The family suggests memorials to the Columbus Community Field Board and may be left at Simpson Funeral Home, 323 S. Kansas Ave., Columbus, 66725.