William Raphael "Willie" Simper

William Raphael "Willie" Simper, age 89, of Gonzales, was welcomed into heaven April 4, 2025, with his loving family by his side. He was born October 22, 1935, in Moulton, Texas, to William and Adele Darilek Simper. He married the love of his life, Margie Ann Pavlicek, October 23, 1956, in Moulton, Texas. They moved to Houston in 1958 where they started a family and where four of their six children, Debbie, Michael, Beverly and Jeff were born. While in Houston he received a degree in commercial law from the American Institute of Banking and the University of Houston and started his first career as a banker. In 1963, the family moved to Gonzales where he continued working as a banker, and he and Margie had their last two children, Lori and Jennifer. Willie decided to leave the banking industry and pursue his passion with woodworking, so he and Margie started Gonzales Upholstery and Refinishing Company in 1967. They worked side by side in their business for 35 years before retiring in 2002, continuing his business investments in real estate and cattle ranching. Willie was a member of Saint James Catholic Church and served as a 3rd degree Knight in Knights of Columbus Council 5090 and had the honor of being the oldest living member and served for 71 years.

Willie, or "Bill" if you grew up east of Peach Creek, was a man rooted deeply in his faith and love for Jesus Christ. His family knew him as Daddy, Pop, or affectionately as "Popo" to his greatest treasures, his grandkids. He had many hobbies that kept him busy. He could tinker with almost any tractor until it was running again and took great pride in his projects. In fact, there wasn't much he couldn't fix if he put his mind to it with the help of his sons. He loved deer hunting but mostly just loved being in the deer stand marveling at all of God's creations where he had his best conversations with Jesus. Willie enjoyed country music, playing his fiddle and dancing with his gal Margie and his loving daughters. He enjoyed raising cattle and watching them graze in the late afternoon with a cold drink in his hand ready to talk with anyone willing to stop by. Willie never met a stranger and could make you feel like an old friend by the end of one conversation. His quick wit and humorous sayings made him one of a kind, and he ended most conversations by giving you the words of advice to "not take any wooden nickels.'

Willie, or Popo's greatest legacy, is his family and the love they share. There is nothing that he enjoyed more than spending time with them. A perfect day for him was everyone gathered on a Sunday at the house in the yard after church and a great meal Margie had prepared. Whether family was gathered at the lake house he and his kids built, in the family den for a game of pool, or in the barn to see what tractor he was currently working on, it was certain to be time well spent. The memories made with his kids, their spouses, and his grandkids were always filled with smiles and laughter. Popo made sure his family knew that they were loved and that they would always be there for each other. Family meant everything to him.

Willie and Margie were married for 68 years and were blessed with a large family of six children, fourteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Willie is survived by his wife, Margie Simper and daughters Debbie Lynn La Fleur (Kevin) of Gonzales, Beverly Jean Glaser of Corpus Christi, Lori Ann Benes (Wilbert) of Gonzales, Jennifer Lea Ruddock (Will) of Gonzales and sons Michael William Simper (Sherry) and Jeffrey Paul Simper (Susan) of Gonzales. He is also survived by grandchildren Cody Simper (Ashley), Justin La Fleur (Becky), Jillian Gonzales, Garrett Simper (Rachel), Courtney Hahn (John), Shayla Tomas (Jason), Torrye Glaser (Kirby), Devin Benes (Jaydin), Morgan Smit (Jared), Ryan Benes (Karyli), Peyton Ruddock, Brooklyn Simper, Weston Ruddock and Rylee Ruddock. Great-grandchildren Luke, Jordyn, Leighton, Cullen, Amelia, Jayde, Lawson, Hazel, Quinn, Briar, Harvey, and Hadley. He is also survived by brother David Simper and sisters Mary Ann Havel (Curtis), Jeanne Michalec, Danielle Vana (Allen), sister-in-law Debbie Simper and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Adele Simper; sister, Virgie Simper; brother, George Simper; and great-grandson, Jacob Simper.

The family will receive friends from 5 pm to 7 pm on Monday, April 7, 2025 in Seydler-Hill Funeral Home with prayers of the Holy Rosary following at 7 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am Tuesday, April 8, 2025 with Fr. Paul Raaz as celebrant. Interment will follow in the St. James Catholic Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are all of Popo's grandsons: Cody Simper, Justin La Fleur, Garrett Simper, Devin Benes, Ryan Benes and Weston Ruddock.

Memorials may be made to the St. James Catholic Church Building Fund. Friends may leave their condolences to the family by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com.

Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.