Donald Glenn Simpson

Donald Glenn Simpson, age 86, passed away on Tuesday the 10th of February 2015, in Houston. Don was born in Detroit, Michigan, on the 11th of May 1928, but became a Texan by choice in 1937 and a resident of Houston in 1938. His parents, now deceased, were Ethel H. and W. Darl Simpson of Punta Gorda, Florida. His loving wife and lifetime partner Diane S. Simpson, whom he married the 18th of September 1953, survives Don. Diane is the daughter of the late Laura H. and Travis L. Smith III of Houston. Don graduated with honors from Lamar High School, Houston in 1945 with a letter in music from his work with the orchestra and drum major of the ROTC marching band. He matriculated to Texas A&M University, Class of 1949, and received a B.Sc. degree and his commission in the USAF Reserve. In 1950, Don was offered and accepted a scholarship from The University of Texas Marine Science Institute, at Port Aransas, Texas. From his field work, he authored “Two Small Tarpon From Texas” which included a world record at the time for the smallest tarpon collected. Don left the program in 1951 when he volunteered for Active Duty with U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He received his Navigator’s wings in 1952 and served until 1955 when he received his Honorable Discharge and returned to Houston, where he entered the construction industry. Don’s business affiliations were Chrm BOD & CEO A&E Tech Reps, Inc., Pres Gulf Waterproofing Co., Inc., Co-Ch Hou-Tex Roofing Company and Restoration Services, Inc. Don’s industry memberships included The Construction Specifications Institute, American Subcontractors Association, Roofing Contractors Association of Texas, Natl. Roofing Contrs Assn., and Houston Roofing & Waterproofing Contrs Assn. Don was also a Senior Member of AfofM Locals 306 and 72-147 having joined as a trumpeter in 1948. Diane and Don have established two Sul Ross and two Presidents’ Endowed Scholarships with Texas A&M University and are members of the A&M Legacy Society including Forsyth Heritage Society and University Associates. Don annually supported the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Assn., the Fighting Texas Aggie Band Assn., Former Students Assn., 12th Man Fndn, Houston A&M Club, River Oaks Chamber Orch., and Lamar High School Alumni Assn.

The funeral service is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Monday, the 16th of February, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons.

A private interment will be conducted at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery in Houston.

In lieu customary remembrances, contributions in Mr. Simpson’s memory may be directed to St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Blvd., Houston, TX 77019; or to the charity of one’s choice.