DONALD E. SIMPSON
Aug. 14, 1950 - May 28, 2015
DONALD E. SIMPSON
Aug. 14, 1950 - May 28, 2015
Obituary
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BORN
Aug. 14, 1950
DIED
May 28, 2015
DONALD SIMPSON Obituary
Don was the husband of Rae A. Simpson whom he married on May 7, 1977. In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons and daughter-in-laws, Matthew C. Simpson, O.D. and Brandy of St. Louis, Missouri, and Air Force Capt. David R. Simpson and Amber of Dayton, Ohio.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughter, Carrie A. Simpson.
Don was born on Aug. 14, 1950 in Springfield, Ohio to Walter and Faye Simpson. He grew up on a small farm with his two surviving brothers, Leon Simpson (Sandra) of Middletown, Ohio and Leroy Simpson (Carol) of Springfield, Ohio.
Dr. Simpson graduated from Indiana University School of Optometry in 1975. He began his career working for the Indian Health Service in Keams Canyon, Arizona where he provided eye care for the Navajo and Hopi tribes. Dr. Simpson spent the next 32 years providing eye care to veterans at the St. Louis VA Medical Center.
Lt. Col. Simpson proudly served his country in the Missouri Air National Guard as the optometrist for the 131st Fighter Wing at Lambert International Airport, which became the 131st Bomb Wing at Whiteman AFB. He additionally served as an Air Force Academy Liaison Officer. He retired in 2012.
After being swept up in the running craze of the 1970s, Don spent the next 40 years pushing the limits from the country roads of the Midwest to the Grand Canyon. Don ran 6 marathons earning a Boston Marathon qualifying time. He was an avid cyclist and enjoyed several epic bike tours and hikes with sons, Matt and Dave.
Visitation was held from 4-8 p.m. Monday, June 1, 2015 at ELIAS, KALLAL AND SCHAAF FUNERAL HOME, 727 E. Bethalto, in Bethalto, Illinois. Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at the funeral home with Pastor Rosemary Captain officiating. Graveside services will be at 11:30 a.m. at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Operation Food Search (www.operationfoodserach.org) or Greater Saint Louis Honor Flight (www.gslhonorflight.org) in Don's name.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
June 11, 2015
Matt,
Your dad was not only a great teacher but also a great man when I trained underneath him at the John Cochran VAMC over 15+ yrs ago when I was student. I will continue to pass on not only his knowledge but his demeanor as a human being. I've had nothing but the utmost respect for your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bryan R. Bowen, O.D., F.A.A.O.
Chuck Ridenour
June 3, 2015
I too went to school with Don and was quite taken aback by his passing. Moose was accomplished in high school and became more so as an adult. He'll be missed. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Jerry Peters
June 3, 2015
So sorry to hear about Donnie. I was fortunate to know the Simpson Family. We made a lot of visits to their farm. One of the finest families ever. I will never forget. Prayers for the Family.
June 1, 2015
sorry to hear about Don's death. I went to school with Don outside of London, Ohio. It looks like Don had a good life and am happy for that. My prayers go to his family-Lou Ann (Hunter) Smith
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Jim Harrison
May 31, 2015
Graduated from high school with Don (we called him Moose) and although I have not seen him since graduation, I remember him with much admiration and fondness. He was truly one of the good guys. My prayers are with his family. God Bless
May 30, 2015
We are so sorry to hear of Don's passing.
He was so kind to us during our needs at the V.A..
Please accept our most heart felt condolences.
Larry and Pam
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727 E Bethalto Blvd, Bethalto, IL 62010
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