Joseph Dean Simpson
February 08, 2011
Joseph Dean Simpson lost his short but courageous battle with cancer on February 8, 2011, in Grove, Oklahoma. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February, 14, 2011, at Meredith Drive Reformed Church at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, at the church.
Joe was born on November 18, 1946, to LaVerne and Shirley Simpson. Joe grew up in Johnston, Iowa and was a noted Johnston High School football player and wrestler. He went on to wrestle for Drake University and was inducted into the wrestling hall of fame at Drake. The Joe Simpson Award was given to athletes who displayed service above self. Joe taught business education and coached wrestling at St. Edmond High School in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He then went into business, starting Cross Country Trucking Company. Joe was passionate about American Saddlebred horses and enjoyed showing dogs, coon hunting, and fishing at the lake with his family.
He will be greatly missed by his wife, Vickie; brother, Jeff (Sherry); son, A.J. (Becky); daughters, Amanda and Madeline; step-daughters, Suzy (Keyvan), Laila (Galen), and Amanda (Wes); grandchildren, Gabriel, Lily, Jacob, and Darien.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the American Lung Association in honor of Joe.
Online condolences may be made at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Bob Joss
02/14/2011
I remember the good times we spent at Drake University in the Dog House playing pitch. Joe was an inspiration not only on the mat but also in
his freindships he made as well. Rest in peace my dear freind.
Linda Stillwell
02/13/2011
I can still see Joe all the way from California grappling his way across the mat. His "long-haul" with life obviously contributed to the well-being of thousands of people. He most certainly has earned his place at the right hand of God and his spirit shall live on forever in the hearts of graduates of Johnston as well as Drake University.
Please share my utmost solace to all his family. There is now a new star in the heavens upon which the name of Joe Simpson sparkles.
Linda Stillwell (Schweitzer)
279 Hermosa Way
San Luis Obispo, CA
Class of '66
Frank Baltzley
02/13/2011
Simpson Family,
I have many great memories of Joe and our friendship with Drake wrestling, Minnesota fishing vacations and my early days in Johnston. I will be forever grateful to him and his family for their support in helping get my teaching and coaching career started at Johnston.
Our deepest sympathy to your family during this difficult time.
Frank and Nancy Baltzley
Terri Seibert Holmgren
02/12/2011
Dear Simpson family,
Joe's smiles and twinkling eyes are the first things that come to mind. He was a sweet, funny friend. We are praying for the strong, warm arms of God to welcome Joe and console you as you remember a life well-lived.
Sam Sloss
02/12/2011
Rest in peace, Joe. You mentored & encouraged me in wrestling. Thanks.
Sam
Paula and Danny Henson
02/13/2011
We will miss you Joe. So many memories and good times. Our thoughts are with you during this very difficult time.
Susie Masters Spagnuolo
02/12/2011
To Joe's family,
Whenever you are feeling sad, remember Joe's great smile. All of us who knew him in high school certainly do! What a nice guy! May your memories and God's love bring you peace.
With sympathy,
Sue Spagnuolo