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Michael Lannie "Iron Mike" Simpson

Michael Lannie "Iron Mike" Simpson obituary, Gary, IN

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Guy & Allen Funeral Directors, Inc.

2959 West 11th Avenue

Gary, Indiana

Michael Simpson Obituary

Simpson, Michael Lannie "Iron Mike" Age 57, passed away Sunday, December 8, 2013 in Taylor, MI. Born in Gary, IN May 30, 1956 to the late Lannie and Marie Johnson-Simpson. He graduated from Andrean High School in 1974 where he was co-captain of the football team and fondly called "OJ". He continued his studies and graduated from Calumet College in 1991 and Keller Graduate School in 2003. He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Deborah and two children, Sean Michael and Stephanie Deborah Simpson of Indianapolis, IN; grandson, Christian Sean Michael of Atlanta, GA; 2 sisters, Anita Marie Simpson Gary, IN and Dorothy (William) Morgan, Cypress CA; nephew, Rayshaun Hamilton; mother-in-law, Ruthie Mae Williford; brothers-in-law, Donald Edward Williford, Herman Derrick Williford all of Gary, IN, Dairon Lee (Kimberly) Williford of Buffalo, NY and Demetrius Terrel (Tiffany) Williford Chandler, AZ; uncles, Orneal and Kineal Brown of Gary, IN; aunts, Mercedes Robinson and Lolita (Frederick) Buchanan of Chicago, IL. Michael was a wonderful husband, father, mentor and confidant. Michael worked for United States Steel for over 35 years in many management capacities and various plants Gary Works, Midwest and Great Lakes. He also taught Labor Relations and many other Human Resource management classes at Indiana University Northwest. Visitation Friday, December 13, 2013 from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Family hours from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Guy & Allen Chapel, 2959 W. 11th Ave., Gary, IN. Funeral services Saturday, December 14, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Genesis Convention Center, Genesis Center Plaza, Gary, IN. Rev. David Nevilles, officiating. Entombment Evergreen Memorial Park, Hobart, IN.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Post-Tribune on Dec. 12, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Simpson

Sponsored by Deborah Williford Simpson.

Not sure what to say?





Diane Jenkins Harvey

December 7, 2022

Deborah,
Thanks for posting these wonderful photos! Michael and I met as teenagers at Andrean High School and we aged nicely! I know you miss him, because he was a great man with a wonderful sense of humor. The Class of 74 acknowledges him at every reunion! Much love to you and your family my soror!

Sherlene Shaifer

December 6, 2022

It seems like yesterday that you were called home. I remember the day. I was at the automotive department at Sears at Southlake Mall, Merrillville, Indiana. While I was waiting I received a call from Charlotte and immediately I knew why she was calling. I felt an instant pain in my heart. Mike you treated with the utmost respect. I never heard you raise your voice, you were kind, compassionate and caring. Thank you for our conversations.

George Johnson

January 5, 2018

Brother Mike, the Buffalo Soldiers of Indiana Mother Chapter will always keep you in our thoughts, and your entire family in our prayers.

George Johnson,and the
Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Indiana Mother Chapter

Deborah Simpson

January 4, 2018

Dear Michael,
Thank you for all the wonderful years.

Love Always

Deborah Simpson

December 5, 2016

Missing you more than ever. I am not able to sleep, anticipating your third anniversary in heaven. Sleep well my love.

We are all together

Deborah Simpson

December 13, 2014

Best buds

Deborah Simpson

December 13, 2014

Graduation pic on 55th birthday cake

Deborah Simpson

December 13, 2014

Mike his sister Anita and nephew Rayshaun

Deborah Simpson

December 13, 2014

Our Family

Deborah Simpson

December 13, 2014

A perfect date with my husband

Deborah Simpson

December 13, 2014

Picnicing on USS tab

Deborah Simpson

December 13, 2014

Sherlene Shaifer

December 8, 2014

Munchkin:
God has sent angels to guard and take care of you , Shawn and Stephanie. My prayer is that you and your children will continue to pray and stay close together. I'm feeling out of sort, but I know that my brother-in-law is in good hands. My heart is heavy. God bless and keep you always.
Love
Sherlene

Deborah Williford Simpson

December 7, 2014

Dear Michael,,

Thank you for all the the wonderful years here on earth . God knew you were tired so he prepared a place for you. He sent word by his angels that everything was ready.. You told me " this is the way I want to go, where there is no more pain." You gave me a list of things to do and then you took flight. Once you got there you were greeted by your mom, dad, my dad and the rest of our family and friends. Thank you is not enough because there are no words that can express how much I miss you. I love you enough to know you are in God's garden now and my faith in our Lord and Jesus Christ let's me know we will be together again.

Chantelle Fointno

June 26, 2014

Deborah once again I am so sorry for your loss. I'm still in a stage of shock actually. I continue to keep you and the children in prayer.

Billy Edwards

June 24, 2014

I truly will miss Michael, he always made me feel very welcome when ever I came around we had lots of fun and laughs together,may god bless and keep the family I love you all .

Deborah Simpson

June 23, 2014

Dear Vin,
Although we have never met I want you to know that, Michael spoke fondly of you. He was the love of my life, and I am grateful that he positively affected all of us even at a very early age.

Vin Rose' Buckhalter

June 22, 2014

I am just now finding out about Michael's passing since I joined Facebook in April...we grew up together since 7th grade at Holy Angels and high school at Andrean..remembering going to the Turnabout dance with him..I am REALLY saddened by this loss..lots of fond memories growing up together...He taught me how to deal with difficult people...I will really miss you Michael..thanks for everything that you taught me...RIP

Yvette Tyler

December 22, 2013

To the Simpson and Williford. Family you are in my thoughts and prayers

Deborah Simpson

December 21, 2013

Dear Michael,
You took flight to be with our Lord Jesus Christ thirteen days ago. I know you are in a better place where there is no more pain, wants or needs. I miss hearing your voice, and I am trying to carry on like you told me to. You worked so hard to prepare me for your flight and I continue to trust in God that he never makes mistakes or gives us more than we can handle.

Loving you always,

December 20, 2013

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Gail Warren

December 15, 2013

Deborah, Anita and Simpson Family,

So sorry to hear about your great loss. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Andrean- Class of 75.

Deidre Griffin-Crudup

December 14, 2013

To Deborah Williford Simpson and family, Cookie and Shirley Thomas
My heartfelt sympathy to you . You are in my prayers. I remember growing up with Shirley in Tarry-town. Micheal and Cookie would be over Shirley's' house because they were cousins. Cherish those memories that we all shared growing up with Michael.
May God give you the strength to get through this during this special time of the year.

Pierce Michael Gibbs

December 13, 2013

Praying for your strength and comfort as you celebrate Michael's life.

December 13, 2013

God Bless Mike's Family. I only knew Mike during our Freshman year at Andrean (I tried out for the football team, so I met him that summer). If there was anybody more well liked at school than Mike. I didn't have the priviledge of meeting them, but, I did have the honor knowing that guy for a year. I am still sorry to hear of his passing.
Those of you that were able to live and work with him for longer, were truly blessed.

Darrell Johnson

Margie Salinas

December 13, 2013

Deborah, I met you shortly after I started working for SMMC. A few of us girls went to lunch at the YMCA. You had a big smile and you were so happy talking about your boyfriend, Michael. 34 years later around this time a year ago I saw you with that same big smile talking about your husband.
Bless you and your family during is trying time.

December 13, 2013

Deborah

May the peace and love of God be of comfort to you and your family.
Michael has left you with precious memories last will last forever.
Muriel Rondo Hanks

Chris Johnston

December 13, 2013

May Michael rest in peace as we celebrate a life well lived. He was a man who loved his family, worked hard at his vocation, and shared his gifts with others. He will be missed and fondly remembered.

Richard & Karen Woods

December 13, 2013

Deborah,
You and the family have our deepest sympathy. Know that you, Sean and Stephanie are in our thoughts and prayers. Mike was Awesome Guy , True Friend and a Great Neighbor. he will truly be Missed.

Frances Bridges- Resto

December 13, 2013

Deborah you and your family have my deepest sympathy. I am praying that God will comfort and strengthen you in the days to come.

Valda Staton

December 13, 2013

Michael was a kind, grounded man of few words. My prayers are with his family and friends.

Lori Lazarian-O'Malley

December 13, 2013

Mike was a great guy! Knew him from Andrean. My condolances and prayers go out to Mike's family . RIP Mike.

Brad and Karen Cross

December 13, 2013

Mike was a friend to everyone in High School.....a great guy. Our thoughts and prayers are with His friends and family.

December 13, 2013

To my friend you know you will be missed but no more suffering you always told me if you could not be yourself Heaven was the place to be. We will miss you so much here but the Lord makes no mistakes you can ride that Harley with angel wings we started off driving corvettes and ended up riding Hogs RIP My Brother Roscoe !!!

Dana Kranik LaMere

December 13, 2013

My husband and I went to high school with Mike (OJ). Sorry for your loss

Sue Kolecki

December 12, 2013

Mike, when I joined labor relations in 2006 at Gary you took me under your wing and showed me the way. I know God has taken you under his wing and brought you home. Rest in Peace.
Sue Kolecki

December 12, 2013

So sorry for your loss, knew him in school great guy

Letty Almodovar

December 12, 2013

Our Father has called you home, we will remember you for the wondrous rider you are and look to see you when we get there. Until then Peace.

December 12, 2013

Deborah:
Know that you are in my thoughts & prayers. God grant you the strength & peace you may need.

Letty

Diane Jenkins Harvey

December 12, 2013

Michael was my first date at Andrean...we were 15. When I showed the pictures to his kids...we were in our 40s and they said, "You all used to look good!" For their info, we looked good as middle-aged folks too! Deborah, I know that you, the kids, and grandson will miss Michael greatly! I'm glad to have known him at Andrean...Class of 74!

Tammy Krupchak

December 12, 2013

God Bless your SOUL Mike ~ I know you are in a Better place.

Sherlene Shaifer

December 12, 2013

Munchkin,
I remember the day you and Mike got married. It was a beautiful day. You married your knight. Mike loved you with all his might and soul. I know that you loved him the same way. God knew Mike was growing tired and needed to rest. He sent his angels last week to take him to his resting place. This has been hard on me as well. But God allowed you to have a life with your soul mate. I am praying for you and the entire family. My brother-in-law has no worries. God bless you and keep you.
Sherlene

Rita Waddell-Green

December 12, 2013

With deep sympathy and sincere thoughts and prayers in the loss of Michael, a really special guy. With the fondest of memories.

Blessings to the family!

Lorraine Malone

December 12, 2013

Grief can be so hard during the holidays, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one this holiday season.

George Johnson

December 12, 2013

Dear Deborah and Family
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.I know that "God" and "Mike" had prepared you for this day.Be strong and know that he is in Heaven enjoying his HARLEY,and negotiating his own BSMC.

Ralph Clark

December 12, 2013

Mike was a great Guy. He will be missed.

Ronnie & Chanda Vickerstaff & Family

December 12, 2013

GOD bless you family some good memories so many good times.

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