John E. Simpson Jr.

John Edward Simpson, Jr., 90, of Yorktown, TX was called home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Thursday evening, September 22, 2022.  He passed peacefully at home in the presence of his loving family.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Dianne Poetter Simpson; daughter Marsha (Steve) White of Katy, TX; son Charles (Amelia) Simpson of Houston, TX; son Brad (Belinda) Simpson of Bellaire, TX; and daughter Virginia (Eric) Spangler, of Arlington, WA.  He delighted in a full quiver of 13 grandchildren: Brian (Briana) White, John (Samantha) White, Daniel (Emily) White, James Edward Cole Simpson, Michael Trigg Simpson, Taylor Simpson, Jacob Simpson, Matthew Simpson, Georgiana Simpson, Andrew (Icie) Spangler, Sarah Spangler, Rebekah (Mick) Swanson, Bethany Spangler and two great grandchildren: Jackson White and Beatrice Swanson.  His sister, Mary Ausburn, of San Antonio, TX; nephews John Ausburn and Bryan Ausburn of Dallas TX; and Paul Ausburn and Adam Ausburn of San Antonio, TX.

He is predeceased by his parents John Edward Simpson and Wylma Bruner Simpson; and great grandson, Luke Thomas White.

John grew up in Yorktown and attended the local schools.  He was in elementary school when he met Dianne and declared in the 5th grade to his mother that he wanted to marry her.  He grew up doing chores that helped to run the family poultry business which served many local and regional customers.  He was a dedicated athlete and in high school was a sprinter in track and played running back for the Yorktown Wildcats District Championship football team.

After graduating high school in 1950, he attended Texas A&M where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets.  He studied Industrial Engineering and enjoyed the training and discipline of the Corps.  The highlight of these years, however, was his marriage in 1953 to Dianne, the love of his life.  He graduated in 1954 with a bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering.  He received his commission as a Second Lieutenant and served active duty with the US Army in Korea.  After completion of his term, he worked with various companies in Houston, including Rockwell, Reed Roller Bit and Century Paper.  In 1974, he was transferred to Los Angeles where he would join Reel Grobman & Associates.  There he served many west coast and international companies by helping them plan their space and equipment needs utilizing the primary design tools of the day: a slide rule and a drafting table.

While living in California, he earned a Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine University in Los Angeles, CA.  He was a licensed Professional Engineer in both Texas and California and he specialized in facilities planning and consulting.  He also simultaneously continued his military career by serving in the US Army Reserve both in Houston, TX and Los Angeles, CA, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

In 1980 he returned to Houston to establish Facilities Consultants, Inc. serving as CEO and founder.  In 1996, he and Dianne retired to Yorktown where he served the community in many ways including YREC and leading the nursing home ministry of Yorktown's First Presbyterian Church.  He served many years as an adult Sunday school teacher.  He gladly dedicated his retirement years in service to the Lions Club filling many leadership roles including Chairman of the Finance Committee and board member of the Lions Club Texas Eye Bank.  He was a Trustee of the Texas Lions Gratis Tissue Review Committee.  He served as District Governor and was recognized by the Lions Club International by induction into the Lions International Texas Hall of Fame in 2020.

He was an avid student of the Bible spending many hours plumbing the depths of spiritual truth with his favorite Bible teachers John MacArthur and R.C. Sproul.  He was an Elder and a Bible teacher at the First Presbyterian Church in Yorktown.  One of the greatest passions of his life was to communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all who would hear.

His was a life well-lived and as the end approached, he was ready to go be with his Savior Jesus.  "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."  John 3:16

Visitation will be held 5-7pm Friday, September 30, 2022 at Massey Funeral Home, Yorktown, TX.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, Yorktown, TX at 2:00pm on Saturday, October 1, 2022 with a reception following at the Fellowship Hall. 

Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Brian White, John White, Daniel White, Jacob Simpson, Matthew Simpson, Cole Simpson and Michael Simpson.

Memorials may be given to First Presbyterian Church, Yorktown Lions Club or Texas Lions Club Eye Bank.  John would emphatically tell you that it is good to give, but it is much better for you to receive the free gift of salvation offered to you by Jesus Christ.

You are invited to sign the online guest book at www.masseyfh.com  Services are entrusted to Massey Funeral Home, Yorktown, TX  361-564-2900

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