Robert N. “Bob” Simpson, 97, of Fairfield, passed away at 4:25pm on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Fairfield Memorial Hospital’s Skilled Care Unit. Bob was born on August 10, 1926, in Wayne County, IL, the 9th of 12 children born to Miles and Lulu (Wright) Simpson.
Bob married the love of his life, Maxine (Mattox) Simpson, on April 21, 1957, at Richland Church, on a beautiful Easter Sunday. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving from 1953-1955. After his return from the Army, he began working for the U.S. Postal Service as a postal clerk, first in St. Louis and then in Fairfield. He retired after 32 years of service. Bob loved working outside in his yard and his flower and vegetable gardens. He won Fairfield’s Yard of the Month several times. He and Maxine liked to quilt together. They made quite a few quilts before she passed away in 2003. After her passing, Bob continued quilting, making his children and grandchildren beautiful quilts.
Survivors include five sons Kevin (Cynthia) Simpson of Fairfield, Brian (Kimberly) Simpson of Camp Point, IL, Jon (Teresa) Simpson and Lindy (Debbie) Simpson also of Fairfield, and Chris (Michelle) Simpson of Olney, IL, two daughters Lisa (Clay) Simpson of Fairfield and Lea Ann (Jim) Alberda of Cunningham, TN, seventeen grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, a brother Willard “ Bill” Simpson of Franklin Grove, IL, two sisters-in-law Marjorie Simpson of Fairfield and Cynthia Talbert of Johnsonville, IL, along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Maxine, three sisters Ruby Vanway, Mary Rose Johnson, and Anna Lou Taylor, and seven brothers Bert, Harold, Charles, Orion “Pug”, Vern, Lindy, and Elias Simpson.
Funeral services for Bob Simpson will be at 1pm on Tuesday, May 21st at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home in Fairfield with burial to follow in Richland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11am until the time of service at the funeral home. Memorial donations can be made to the Fairfield Memorial Hospital Foundation for a special project for the Skilled Care Unit. Donations will be accepted at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.
