In Memory
Douglas B. Simpson, Sr.
February 26, 1932 ~ July 29, 2020 88 Years Old
Douglas B. Simpson, Sr., 88 years old, passed away at 2:07 a.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at Memorial Hospital, South Bend. Mr. Simpson was born on February 26, 1932 in Lansing, MI to the late Donald and Vivian (Cass) Simpson. He has lived in South Bend most of his life. Mr. Simpson was preceded in death by his first wife, Phyllis Steele White and his second wife, Margaret McCandless.
Mr. Simpson was a longtime teacher and baseball coach at Riley High School, where he also initiated the Model United Nations and the Human Relations Club. He went on to a second career in business, developing training and education programs for healthcare and manufacturing companies in Memphis, TN and internationally. During his retirement years in South Bend, he became a Master Gardener through the Purdue Extension Program.
Mr. Simpson is survived by his three children, Lori (Marc) Abel of Pleasant Prairie, WI, Douglas B. Simpson, Jr. (Bertha Wilder) of South Bend, and Joel (Linda) Simpson of Austin, TX; two granddaughters, Jessica Abel and Rebekah Abel (Andy Pratt); and his sister, Sue (Joe) Koziol of Holland, MI and many nieces and nephews.
Private services will be held. Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, South Bend is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Douglas B. Simpson, Sr. may be donated to American Civil Liberties Union, 313 Atwood Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 or to Broadway Christian Parish, 1412 Carroll Street, South Bend, IN 46613. Online condolences may be offered to the Simpson family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
08.18.2023 djb
https://www.palmerfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Douglas-SimpsonSr
Patrick Berzai (1968)
Obituary for Douglas Simpson can be found in the In Memory section of Riley Class of 1950. After logging on, select "Classmate Profiles", then select 1950, then select "In Memory" and then select "Douglas B Sr. Simpson." A complete obituary is posted.
Karen L Keltner (1966)
Mr.Simpson, an outstanding Civics teacher and individual, has been often on my mind again in these past difficult years, mysteriously and unconsciously bidden apparently, for the values he instilled in those of us fortunate enough to have taken his wonderful Civics Class at South Bend Riley High School, 1962-1966.
Is Civics even TAUGHT anymore?
Blessings on you, Doug Simpson. and on your family. Thank you for all you gave to us!
Karen Keltner
Jerry Troyer (1962)
Mr. Simpson was a coach. I was in theater so my experience with him was limited to classroom but one thing he said to me stands out. He told me "NEVER let anyone, including me, do your thinking for you. Do your own thinking, make your own decisions. And never aspire to be average." Bless you Mr. Simpson for that piece of advice and all the other things you taught us.