Merle Simpson, 94, passed away on June 2, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his country and family. Born September 22, 1929, in Grant County, Kentucky, he was the son of Webb Anderson Simpson and Bertha Lucille Reynolds. He grew up on a farm surrounded by a large, loving, close-knit family.
Merle joined the United States Army in January 1949. In June of 1950, the Korean War broke out, and Merle was selected for a secret organization working behind enemy lines. Little did he know he had been selected to serve in the first ever Army Ranger Unit. Merle loved his country and kept in touch with many of his fellow Rangers over the years.
Merle married the love of his life, his dark-haired beauty, Georgie Branham on January 19, 1952, in Mt. Zion, Kentucky. They bought their first house in Forest Park, Ohio where they raised four children, Gayle, Susan, Mark and Don. They enjoyed 72 years together before Georgie’s passing in 2023.
Merle worked for General Electric, in Evendale, Ohio starting out in the sheet metal shop and working his way up the ladder to foreman and then a quality value planner. He retired from GE after 37 years.
Merle loved sports. He played softball, bowled in several different leagues and golfed into his late eighties. He was a diehard Kentucky basketball fan. Merle was a competitor and taught his children to always play to win. He loved getting together with his brothers to play cards, throw horseshoes and even get into an occasional wrestling match. Family and country were of the utmost importance to him.
Per his wishes, Merle will be cremated and his ashes, along with the ashes of his loving wife, will be housed in the columbarium at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery North in Williamstown, Kentucky. Date of service yet to be determined. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.gilliland-howe.com.
