Donald Leon Simpson

Donald L. Simpson, age 95, of Glendora, California, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2025. Don Simpson was born in Los Angeles, California, son of the late Leon and Emelie Madeline Simpson. He moved to Northern California to attend California Concordia College Prep High School, Oakland. He attended Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Illinois, graduating in 1951 with a B.S. in Education (minor in music). He continued his education after starting his teaching career, receiving a Master’s degree in Elementary Education Administration from California State University, Los Angeles in 1965. Don Simpson was called to serve as a teacher, youth leader, organist, and choir director at St. John’s Lutheran, Montebello, California in 1951 and after five years became the principal while continuing to teach. Don accepted a call to serve as a teacher for grades 4-8, principal, organist, and choir director at Hope Lutheran School, Glendora, California in 1960. He continued serving at Hope for the remainder of his career, retiring from his role as principal in 1993 and from teaching in 1996, after 45 years in the teaching ministry. He continued to serve as Hope Lutheran Church organist until he retired in 2018 at the age of 89. Don had an immeasurable impact on Hope Lutheran Church and School. His students, teachers, families, and congregation members have been blessed by his wisdom, patience, gentle spirit, and musical gifts. After 95 years of walking in our Lord’s footsteps, he was called to his heavenly home. Don was chosen as the Lutheran School Elementary Teacher of the Year in the Pacific Southwest District in 1991. As an educator, Don was more than simply a teacher and principal to his students. He was known to have high expectations but balanced those with endless patience and a deep sense of caring. Following retirement, Don remained active with his favorite activities including participating in his weekly Men’s Bible Study, walking, watercolor painting, gardening, following his beloved Dodgers, and especially spending time with his family. Don married Jean Elenore Neumann in 1957, soon after meeting at a teachers’ conference, and cherished all the years they shared. Among Don’s many life achievements, the most treasured was his family. Surviving are children: Cheryl R. Olenik of Glendora, California, Susan J. Herman of Oakland, California, Karen L. Simpson (Jeff Hubatka) of Claremont, California; grandchildren: Kristin (Cory), Megan (Matt), Amanda, Lauren, Justin, Jenna, Paul, Andrew; great-grandchildren: Landon, Kameron. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean E. Simpson, son, John R. Simpson, a sister, Thelma M. Simpson Ott, and a brother, Dr. Dale Rodekohr Simpson. A memorial service will be held at Hope Lutheran Church, Glendora, CA on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 1:00pm. A private burial service will take place at a later date. Livestream will be available. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to Hope Lutheran School’s “Fulfilling the Promise - 3 New Classrooms - Building Campaign”. https://gofund.me/b7ba1555