Darrell “Jack” Simpson, 98, of Fields Park Road, Morgantown, passed at his home on the evening of Friday, Feb. 11, 2022. He was born in Tunnelton, on Jan. 31, 1924, son to Howard E. and Mabel Watkins.
Jack was a graduate of Tunnelton High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942. He served in Pearl Harbor, Okinawa and Guam before being honorably discharged in 1945. During his enlistment, he worked as a mechanic on the Douglas C-54 Skymasters, a four-engine transport aircraft.
Returning to civilian life, Jack worked at Sterling Faucet and later as a brick tender for Baker & Coombs and would retire in 1986 from Coombs & Hemmann. Jack enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing.
Jack is survived by three sons, Kevin and wife Linda Simpson, of Ridgeley, Bradley and wife Loraine Simpson, of New Richmond, Ohio, and Brian Todd Simpson, of Morgantown; one daughter, Kris O’Connell and her companion Patrick Malone, of Morgantown; four grandsons, Brady and wife Alisa Simpson, of Ridgeley, Jared and wife Heidi Simpson, of Springfield, Joshua O’Connell, of Austin, Texas, and Tyler O’Connell, of Point Marion, Pa.; and six great-grandchildren Mackenzie, Logan, Alivia, Bree, Marley and Harper.
Also surviving are his two brothers, Charles R. Simpson and Ronald Simpson, of Pisgah Community, Bruceton Mills, and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Marjorie Simpson; two daughters Cheryl and Donna Simpson; and his sisters, Delores, Margaret and Dorothy.
Friends may call at the Fred L. Jenkins Funeral Home, from 3-5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 16. Funeral services will begin at 5 p.m. with Pastor Dan Medows officiating. Honoring Jack’s wishes, cremation will follow. His ashes will be laid to rest with his wife at the Pleasant Hills Cemetery at a later date with full military honors.
Please consider a donation in Jack’s memory to WVU Medicine Children’s Development Office Suncrest Center One Medical Center Drive Box 8200 (Suite 350, Van Voorhis) Morgantown, WV 26506, by phone by calling 304-598-4346 or by visiting www.fredjenkinsfuneralhome.com.
