Mark William Simpson

SIMPSON, Mark William — Age 72, of Rapid City, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek. Visitation will take place at the funeral home Friday from 10:00 AM until the time of service.The service will be live streamed and may be viewed via Mark’s obituary page at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to the Dementia/Alzheimer’s Association.

Mark was born October 31, 1953, in Flint, Michigan, the son of William L. and Lucille (Witte) Simpson. He was a Powers High School graduate, Class of 1971, and lived in the Flint and Flushing areas before relocating to Northern Michigan in 2004.He married the love of his life, Terry M. Stanton, on October 20, 1984, in Clearwater, Florida.Mark and his father, William “Bill” Simpson, owned Simpson Optical in downtown Flint for over 40 years. He later worked for several ophthalmologists as a Certified Optician, where he was known for his precision and care. He also worked weekends at Gilroy’s in Elk Rapids for 20 years, where he made many close friends.

Mark adored his wife Terry and shared a close bond with his daughter, Jenna. He was always ready to help with home or business projects and showed his love simply by always being there.

He loved Torch Lake and could often be found boating, skiing, waterskiing, or swimming after a long day’s work. He also enjoyed golfing and skiing with Terry and Jenna, and taking ski trips out west with his cousins. You could always find him on weekends by a bonfire with family and his best friends, Doug and Lance.

Mark was known for his warm laugh and kind, humble spirit, and was loved by all who knew him.

Surviving are his wife of 41 years, Terry Simpson; daughter, Jenna M. Simpson Evans (Brenton), of Rapid City; and his cherished cousin, who was like a sister, Susanne Ness.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lucille Simpson; several aunts and uncles; and cousins Mike Simpson, Bruce Witte, Scott Witte, Jack Powers, Maggie Powers and Paul Jankowski.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Hospice of Michigan’s Hospice House in Traverse City for their compassionate care and support.

Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com