Waldo Stephen Simpson

Waldo Stephen Simpson was fond of the saying “I start off slow, taper off, and if that gets too exciting: I take a nap,” and on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, he closed his eyes for a final afternoon rest at his home in Rosewood in Bakersfield, CA. He’d celebrated his 90th birthday in November of 2022. Though all who knew and loved him grieve his death, we all know he opened his eyes into eternity and to all those he loved most in life that proceeded him to be with Jesus.

Wally arrived on November 14th, 1932 to Frank and Grace Simpson in Bakersfield, CA. His early life was marked with tragedy when his mother passed shortly after his birth. Later, Frank remarried, bringing stepmother, Ellen, and younger brother, Willard, into Wally’s life. Wally was a Bakersfield High Driller, regularly visiting Dewar’s across the street, and left Bako after graduation to pursue his career.

In 1949 Wally became a reservist in the Navy, moving on to active service in 1952. He served aboard the USS Oriskany in the Sea of Japan as an ordinance officer during the Korean Conflict. Upon mustering out of the service in 1954, he married Jora Lee Carlson, the love of his life, with whom he would share the next 62 years until her passing in 2016. Though opposites, they adored one another, and Wally was fond of saying that their differences were key because “if both of you are alike, one of you is unnecessary.” It was through Jorie’s unwavering faith that Wally found his and gave his life to the Lord. They returned to Bakersfield and started a family, with three children following: Stephen, Lori, and Scott.

Wally became patrol officer for Bakersfield Police Department in 1955 and in that discovered his life’s vocation: law enforcement. He walked a beat, drove a car, and finally ended up as a motor officer, which brought him to another longtime love: motorcycles. He also pursued his education and received a degree in elementary education from Fresno State in 1965. He worked his way up to Detective, later serving as a Youth Authority Officer, Probation, and Parole Officer.

In 1972, Wally moved his family to the Bay Area, where they would remain until Wally’s move back to Bakersfield in 2022. A lifelong bookworm, Wally moved into an academic career, teaching Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice at Contra Costa Community College, a job that ultimately suited him very well. Upon retirement, Wally and Jorie traveled the world and spent time with family. Wally took great joy in his grand and great-grand children, often collecting large jars of coins for them, or building elaborate boxes of Hallmark Christmas ornaments around the holidays. A favorite from childhood, Wally loved Dewar’s taffy; any offer of the sweet would be met with “I only eat these when I’m alone or with somebody.”

Throughout his life, faith in the Lord was an anchor point through every hill and valley Wally walked. He and Jorie were longtime members of Gideon International, an organization centered around distributing Bibles across the globe. They were regular attendees at their church and enjoyed a tight-knit group of dear friends in Sunday School and Bible Study. Wally was known to pray through a list of names each night before bed, and took comfort in his final years knowing he would soon meet his savior.

Wally is proceeded in death by his oldest son, Stephen, in 2009, and beloved wife, Jorie, in 2016. He is survived by his younger brother, Willard (Gerry) Simpson; daughter, Lori (Dan) Kristensen; son, Scott (Cheryl) Simpson; daughter-in-law, Traci (Jim) Keith; grandson, Erik (Melissa) Kristensen; granddaughter, Jill (Jon) Miller; grandson, Alec Simpson; and greatgrandchildren: Alexander, Zachary, and Olivia Kristensen; and Huxton and Cordlen Miller; as well as an extended family of nieces and nephews.

A small service to honor his life took place Tuesday, May 2nd at Rosewood Home in Bakersfield. It would have been Wally and Jorie’s 69th Anniversary.

A family service and internment will take place on Friday, June 16th, 2023. Wally will be laid to rest with his parents, wife, and son at the historic Union Cemetery in Bakersfield.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hillcrestmemorial.com for the Simpson family.