Paul J. Simpson

Services for Paul John Simpson, 78, will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove. Burial follows at 11 a.m. at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen.

Mr. Simpson died Oct. 14, 2011, at home after a long, courageous battle with cancer. He was born Sept. 6, 1933, in Frederick, Md.

He was a diamond in the rough with a big heart and loved to spend time with his close friends and barbecue. He spent most of his time on the farm, feeding the cows and bailing hay. He won many awards for his hay at the Coryell County and H.O.T. hay shows. He was most proud of his Easton and Little Rowdy.

He retired from the Army as a staff sergeant and served in the Vietnam War. He received the National Defense Service Metal with Oak Leaf Cluster; Good Conduct Medal with Clasp, Bronze, 5 Loops; Army Commendation Medal; Bronze Star Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with Silver Service Star and 4 Bronze Service Stars; and Republic of Vietnam Medal.

Mr. Simpson was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Charlotte Simpson; and brother, Donald Simpson.

Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Margaret Simpson; daughter, Paula (Punky) Moore and her husband, Jason; grandsons, Easton Matthew and Rowdy Paul; other grandchildren, Aaron and Kelsy of California; brother, Richard; and sisters, Mary, Betty, Connie and Sue.

Honorary pallbearers are Robbie Robinson, Lee Campbell, George Cryer, Cody Cryer, Rodney Frye, JD Hardcastle, Larry Eddinger, Bradley Harwell and Randall Harwell.

Memorial donations may be made the Oakalla Volunteer Fire Department, 29111 Farm-to-Market 963, Briggs, TX 78608, or Scott & White Hospice, 2401 S. 31st St., Temple, TX 76508.

Visitation is Monday at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove, which is in charge of arrangements.