Joseph Earl Simpson

Joseph Earl Simpson passed away peacefully Sunday, July 25, 2010 with his children at his side. He was born in the Heights on April 27, 1923 and graduated from St. Thomas High School, class of 1940. Serving in Germany in World War II, he was a proud member of the 102nd Infantry Division, known as “The Ozarks”.

After returning from the war, Earl received his BBA in Finance from The University of Texas at Austin and spent his entire career with Great Southern Life Insurance Company, retiring in 1982 as Senior Vice President and Treasurer.

On February 7, 1948, Earl married Betty Corso, with whom he shared 57 wonderful years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, and his brother, Tommy Simpson.

Earl is survived by his sister, Merle Polka, and by his four children and their spouses: Sharon Barron (Bill), Mike Simpson (Katie), Betty Biddle (Tom), and Theresa Smith (Roger). His pride and joy were his nine granddaughters Jennifer and Julie Barron, Kristin Gardner (Thomas), Laura Martone (Steve), Lindy Jackson (Kris), Natalie Zeigler (Brett), Tracy Biddle, Allyson Stacy (Brandon) and Rebecca Smith. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren: Reese and Carley Zeigler, Leah Stacy and Grady Jackson, and ten nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Thomas B. Simpson III, Brett Zeigler, Thomas Gardner, Steve Martone, Kris Jackson, and Brandon Stacy. Honorary pallbearers are Edward Blackburn (friend of 74 years) and David Korkmas, Edwin Vecera, and Richard Bernhardt,

Friends are invited to visitation with the family from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 27, 2010, with a Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m., at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home, 6700 Ferris. The Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 28, 2010, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 6921 Chetwood. Rite of Committal will follow at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery.

Our dad was so much more than any words put to paper. He was loved and respected by so many friends and acquaintances and made a profound difference in those lives. This beloved man will be greatly missed.

Earl was a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church for more than 60 years and requested that donations be made in his memory to the Holy Ghost Church Vocation Fund, 6921 Chetwood, Houston, TX, 77081, or St. Thomas High School Scholarship Fund, 4500 Memorial Dr. Houston, TX 77007.