Joseph Byrne Simpson

Joseph Byrne Simpson of Fullerton CA passed away on 1-7-2021 at age of 90. Son of Allen J. and Jesse Blouin Simpson. Known as Byrne by family and friends, he was born in Houston Texas on February 14th 1930.

Byrne graduated from St. Thomas High School, Class of 1948. He earned his BA Degree from the University of St. Thomas Of Houston, Texas, Class of 1952 with a major in chemistry.

Shortly after graduation, Byrne was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. After basic training, this included 90 mm anti-aircraft weapons and schooling in electronics, all at Fort Bliss Texas. Byrne’s expertise in these fields allowed him to be involved in the Army’s NIKE Anti-aircraft Guided Missile System located in Southern CA.

In 1954 Byrne joined Phillips Chemical Co. in Pasadena TX. In 1957 Byrne joined Beckman Instruments Inc. later known as Rosemount Inc. located in Fullerton, CA. Byrne earned several promotions during his career retiring in 1993 as Division Product Safety Officer. Byrne was active in Scientific Apparatus Makers Association (SAMA), Safety Standards Drafting Committee of the Instrument Society of America (ISA). He was a registered Professional Engineer-Control Systems, in the State of California for 20 years.

Byrne was a parishioner of St. Juliana Catholic Church located in Fullerton CA. He was an active participant in church activities. He was involved in Choir, youth education, lector ministry and edited a parish newsletter. Byrne also participated in many community programs such as youth counseling, volunteering for FISH of Fullerton serving on the board of directors and as President.

Byrne’s hobbies included reading historical biographies, newspapers and a weekly news magazine. Byrne was an enthusiastic baseball fan, following the LA Angels of Anaheim and the Titans of California State University of Fullerton. For several years Byrne helped coach his grandson, Brent’s little league teams.

Byrne is survived by his wife of 43 years, Susan K. Simpson.; Her five daughters, Helen Phillips, Karna Phillips, Christine Loughridge (Brad), Kathryn Phillips and Laura Strand; Grandchildren, Brent Phillips (Ashley), Karl Stouffer (Lauren), Kevin Stouffer, Justin Workman (Vivian), Kristiana Strand and Erik Strand; Great Grandchildren Reagan Phillips and Dakota Phillips (due in April 2021).

He was predeceased by his sister Bernadette Simpson Foley of Houston TX and is survived by his nieces, Karen Cullum (Donald) and Clare Bell (Craig); Nephews Kevin Foley (Donna) and Charles Foley and his step daughter from a prior marriage, Kay Lynn Roewe (John) and her family. All are from the Houston/ Galveston area of Texas.

Visitation will begin at 4 PM on Thursday February 4th, followed by a vigil service at 5 PM at McAulay & Wallace Mortuary, 902 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton CA. Due to the Pandemic only 30 people will be allowed in and masks will be required.

Funeral mass: Due to the Pandemic the mass will be for immediate family only at 10 AM on February 5th at St. Juliana Catholic Church in Fullerton. Burial will be at Riverside National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest contributions in memory of Joseph Byrne Simpson be directed to either University of St. Thomas Chemistry Dept. at 3800 Montrose Blvd, Houston TX 77006 or St. Juliana Catholic Church at 1316 N. Acacia Ave, Fullerton CA 92831. Designated for its St. Vincent De Paul Society fund for the needy.