Leonard Warren Simpkins, 84, real estate broker

Leonard Warren Simpkins, 84, a real estate broker in West Philadelphia, who enjoyed listening to jazz and helping young people interested in careers in real estate, died of heart failure Monday, Oct. 7 at Lankenau Hospital.

Mr. Simpkins was the head of One Stop Realty, a firm in the 5100 block of Baltimore Avenue, which he founded in 1989 and operated until his death.

As a young man, Mr. Simpkins worked at Valley Forge Hospital and later for about 30 years at the U.S. Frankford Arsenal as an equal-employment officer, retiring in 1988.

During those years, Mr. Simpkins also worked part-time as a real estate salesman with Walter Bantom Realty, John Hawkins Realty, and Warner Whiting Realty. He earned his broker's license in the mid-1980s.

Mr. Simpkins often used his connections in the real estate business to help those in need find housing and other support, said his wife, Lucille Simpkins.

"He was a man of honor and integrity and he loved to help people," she said. She said her husband helped many young people seeking careers in real estate.

Mr. Simpkins attended Philadelphia public schools and graduated from Overbrook High. He later attended the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Simpkins met his wife, Lucille Auding Simpkins, a native of Louisiana, while she was visiting relatives in his neighborhood. They were married in 1965.

He was a longtime member of Mount Carmel Baptist Church in the 5700 block of Race Street. His wife said she was a member of St. Barbara's Catholic Church in the 5300 block of Lebanon Avenue.

"We agreed that every month we would go to each other's church," she said.

She said that her husband enjoyed listening to his broad collection of jazz records. "He really liked Miles Davis," she said, adding that Davis' classic Kind of Blue album was among Mr. Simpkins' favorites. She said one of their grandsons is named Miles, after the trumpeter.

He also enjoyed playing cards with friends, she said. "He would say he put the 'P' in pinochle."

Mr. Simpkins was devoted to the Masons. He was a member of the St. John Lodge 44 and the DeMolay Consistory No. 1, where he earned the rank of 32d degree. In 1988 he was awarded an honorary 33d degree status.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Simpkins is survived by a daughter, Terri Lynn Pinckney and son, Leonard Warren Simpkins 3d; three grandchildren; and three brothers and two sisters.

Services were held Saturday at Mount Carmel Baptist Church.