Donald R. Simpson

Donald Ray Simpson was welcomed to the world on November 25, 1945, in Graham, Texas, by his parents, Rev. Curtis and Joyce Simpson. They recently welcomed him to his Heavenly home on July 29, 2015, singing joyously and celebrating God's love and grace. Don graduated from Monterey High School in 1964, in Lubbock, Texas. He met the love of his life, Pat Yocum Simpson, while attending Hardin Simmons University. They married on September 2, 1966. Don then transferred to Texas Tech, but completed his college with a degree in Psychology and as an Air Force ROTC officer candidate from his beloved Baylor University in 1970. Throughout his life, Don wore several different career hats, but each of them centered around a desire to serve others. He served his country in the Air Force as a B-52 navigator pilot during the Vietnam War. In the last years of his military career, he served as a Transportation and Liaison Officer for Central Texas recruiting students interested in attending the Air Force Academy. Don retired from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel. Working for HEB as a safety and risk manager for 17 years allowed Don to serve both the HEB customers as well as the company. After retirement, Don volunteered as Lead Coordinator for the Central Texas Senior Partners Club. This allowed him to plan activities for other retired HEB employees. He loved his job simply because he loved helping people. Don's faith defined his life. He was not one to speak loudly about his beliefs, but his actions spoke volumes. He was an active member of Immanuel Baptist Church of Temple, serving as chairman of the deacons, Sunday School teacher, choir member, department director, and served on various committees. His tender hearted compassion and love of people, no matter their race or economic status, endeared Don to everyone he ministered to as well as those he worked alongside. Don's other passion was his love of sports. There weren't many conversations with Don that didn't center around his love for the Texas Rangers, the Dallas Cowboys, or his personal favorite, the Baylor Bears. Like his faith his commitment to his alma mater was a strong influence in his life. He wore his green and gold proudly and I am certain wore those colors entering the pearly gates! On earth, he was either watching, attending, texting, or emailing his friends about the Bears. Don rarely missed watching or attending a Texas Rangers game either. A group of Don's Air Force buddies met each year and took a trip. Their goal was to visit every major league baseball stadium in the U. S. After eight trips to various parts of the U. S. on, he had almost completed his goal. More than anything else though, Don was a loving husband and devoted father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He and Pat were to have celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary Sept. 2. Don is survived by his wife, Pat Yocum Simpson, of Temple, Texas, daughter, Teri Celeste Zadnichek, son in law, Justin Zadnichek, of Temple, TX, son, Daryle and fiance', Liz Sadler of Phoenix, AZ, grandchildren, Alexandria and Zane Pennington, of Temple, TX. Other survivors include brothers, Gary Simpson Sr. and wife, Donna, of Ft. Worth, TX, Joe Simpson, of Malibu, CA, and sister, Sally Simpson Lee and husband, Steve, of Belton, TX. Nieces and nephews include: Gary Simpson Jr. and wife, Rosa, of Jupiter, FL, Jason Simpson and wife, Whitney, of Fort Worth, TX, Ike Lee and wife Katy, of Santa Monica, CA, Andrea Cormier and husband, Corey, of College Station, TX, Jessica Johnson and husband, Eric and Ashlee Ross and husband, Evan all of CA and a host of great nieces, nephews, friends and other family members. Visitation will be at the Scanio-Harper Funeral Home on Sunday August 2, 2015 from 2-4:00 p.m. Burial, with military honors, will be 9:00 a.m. Monday, August 3, 2015 at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas, followed by a memorial and celebration of Don's life Monday, August 3, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church in Temple, Texas with Dr. Ron Milne and Rev. Charlie Day officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the church Don so dearly loved, Immanuel Baptist Church, 1401 W. Central Ave., Temple, Texas 76501 or to the American Heart Association, PO Box 841125, Dallas, TX 75284-1125 (www.heart.org). Online guestbook available at www.scanioharperfuneralhome.com.