John "Johnny" Simpson

June 6, 1925 ~ March 21, 2009

© Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home

Submitted by: T.D.

John “Johnny” Simpson was born on Tuesday, June 16, 1925 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Jack Bertrand “J.B.” & Ida Mae (Howard) Simpson. He passed from this life on Saturday, March 21, 2009 in Plano, Texas at the age of 83 years, 9 months, and 5 days. Johnny previously lived in Jenks and Sapulpa, Oklahoma. He later moved to Durant where he was a longtime resident.

He married Rosie Lee (Hearon) on October 22, 1949 in Durant. Johnny was a retired Sergeant Major from the U.S. Army Reserves. He served in the 45th Infantry Division during the Korean War where he earned a Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Korean Service Medal, Army Occupation Medal, and U.N. Service Medal. In WWII he served in the Coast Guard from September 1943 to March 1946. He also served in the 95th Infantry Division. Johnny worked for OG&E in the accounting department and retired after 37 years. Johnny loved his church family at New Hope Church of the Nazarene. He also was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Durant.

Preceded in death by: Parents: Jack & Ida Simpson Brother-in-law: John A. Hearon Sister-in-law: Jean Sinn Sister-in-law & husband: Eber & Gene Hull.

Survived by: Wife: Rosie Simpson of Durant, Oklahoma Son: Charles Bert Simpson & wife Kathy of Abilene, Texas Son: James David “Jimmy” Simpson & wife Barbara of Ozark, Missouri Grandson: David Simpson & wife Michelle of Little Rock, Arkansas Granddaughter: Kara Shelhamer & husband Aaron of Wichita, Kansas Grandson: Justin Simpson of Ozark, Missouri Grandson: Cody Simpson of Ozark, Missouri Grandson: Jordan Simpson of Ozark, Missouri Great Grandson: Logan Shelhamer of Wichita, Kansas Great Grandson: Micah Shelhamer of Wichita, Kansas Brother-in-law: J.D. Hearon & wife Lillian of Durant, Oklahoma Brother-in-law: Joe Hearon & wife Mildred of Durant, Oklahoma Sister-in-law: Jan Hearon of Worthington, Ohio Brother-in-law: Bo Hearon & wife Barbara of Durant, Oklahoma Numerous Nieces, Nephews & Cousins.

Funeral Services will be Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 11:00 AM at the New Hope Church of the Nazarene in Durant. Rev. Clifford Joines will officiate. Internment will be at Highland Cemetery in Durant. David Simpson, Kara Shelhamer, Justin Simpson, Cody Simpson, Jordan Simpson, and Matthew Hooks will be serving as pallbearers.

Visitation will be Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at the funeral home from 6-7 PM.

Condolences may be sent to the family at dhfh@communicomm.com.