Don Simpson

Robert “Don” Simpson, always an early riser who enjoyed the quiet stillness of dawn and the beauty of sunrise, left this world early in the morning of January 17, 2024.

Don was a devoted son, husband, father, grandpa, and friend, a figure of strength and determination with uncompromising principles. He was a bastion of stability, support, and security to all he loved, yet his seriousness was balanced by a soft side, evident in his tender care for his mother and the quirky humor and acts of affection he reserved for those closest to him.

Don was born on December 21, 1943, in Dallas, Texas, to Wynell and Marvis Simpson. Along with his older brother, Wayne, the family soon relocated to Iraan, Texas, where Don spent his childhood and completed high school. He furthered his education at the University of Texas at Austin and earned a bachelor’s degree from Sul Ross State University.

Don’s work life began early in his family’s scrap iron business and continued as he joined the U.S. Army Reserve. His career was diverse, including roles at Burroughs Corporation and as an owner in the family’s Simpson Brothers Oil Company. Don also explored opportunities in home satellite systems, real estate, the Southwestern Bell Yellow Pages, and Aflac insurance. Following his father’s death, he took the helm of the family’s Cherokee Pipe & Supply in Odessa, Texas.

As busy as he was, Don always made time for family and friends. He loved hosting weekend cookouts and informal gatherings at his home, where he would play games and capture memories with his latest camera or video recorder. He was an early adopter of technology, especially home entertainment devices. He enjoyed revisiting favorite films and sharing his vast knowledge about aspects of their production. He was an optimist, assuring that, even during difficult times, there were “more good days ahead.”

Don is survived by many grateful friends and family, including his beloved wife, Cindy, son Les Simpson and his wife, Crystal, step-daughter Kay and her husband, Derek Davis, step-son Jay Arbuckle and his wife, Debbie, and step-daughter Kim and her husband Burt Miller. He was a very proud grandpa to Dashiell Simpson, Christian Farris, Ryan Farris, and Milo Ruiz. He was uncle to Amber Simpson.

Among those awaiting Don as he received his heavenly reward were his father, mother, brother, and son, Wesley Simpson.

Funeral services will be held on January 22, 2024 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch in Midland at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Don’s name can be made to the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation.

The family would like to thank the caring staff at Midland Memorial Hospital and the members of Hospice who helped make Don’s final journey comfortable and serene.

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