COLUMBUS
Donald L. Simpson, 83, of North Central Avenue, passed at 8:45 p.m. March 4, 2018, at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana Inpatient Facility.
Donald was born March 14, 1934, in Mitchell, the son of Clifford and Wilma Murray Simpson.
He married Margaret E. Wigley June 7, 1958, and she preceded him in death.
After graduating high school he enlisted in the Air Force and was an electronic technician and worked on many types of aircraft, including the B-36 and F-86.
He taught industrial arts at Central Middle School for 34 years and loved running into his former students.
He especially enjoyed the time he spent with his grandchildren and family.
He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and watching football. In his free time he liked to read science fiction and listen to blues, bluegrass and country music.
The funeral will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday, March 9, 2018, at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home with Pastor D.J. Butcher officiating. Calling will be 10:30 a.m. until service time Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Garland Brook Cemetery with military honors presented by the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard.
Memorials may be made to the Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or First Christian Church.
Survivors include his sons, David Simpson of Chicago and Paul (Renee) Simpson of Tomah, Wisconsin; half-sisters, Kathy (Joe) Adams of Avoca, Indiana and Christy Simpson of Bedford; and grandchildren, Sarah (Chris) Brite, Rhiannon Lockington Simpson, Sean Simpson, Gregorio Simpson, Caterina Simpson and Annalise Simpson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Margaret, on February 6, 2007; daughter, Elaine, on February 29, 1992; and a grandchild, Sascha, September 15, 2008.
You are invited to view his video tribute, light a virtual candle and send a message to the family via the internet.
