Tom Simpson

Thomas “Tom” Simpson, 89, of Monrovia, gained his angel wings in the early morning hours of Tuesday, October 22, 2024, while in the care of the Springs of Mooresville. He was born in Mannington, WV on March 23, 1935, to the late Thomas Jefferson and Ada Alice (McDonald) Simpson. Raised in the hills of north central West Virginia, Tom was a 1954 alum of University High School where he played football and basketball and won third in the state as an athletic wrestler. Meeting his future wife, Arlene McGlone while in the sixth grade, it wasn’t until later in high school that he took her by the hand and wooed her into their 68-year love affair. Packing their bags and heading to Indiana to find work, the pair originally settled in Paragon to help on the family farm, later moving back to West Virginia to work in the coal mines on an air shaft. When the mines went under, they came back to Indiana, and they have remained here until this day. A truly hard worker throughout his entire life, Tom secured employment at Duke Energy, formerly known as Public Service Indiana, as a talented electrician in building maintenance. A member of the IBEW Local 1393, Tom was a passionate Union Steward. He never missed a day of work to diligently provide for his family and would even hitchhike to work when the car broke down. He devoted 36 years of service to the company and deservingly retired in 1996. Actively involved in his children’s lives, Tom never missed any of their games, along with his grandchildren and great grandchildren’s sporting events, while cheering them on from the stands, or coaching them while running the chains at football games. Tom was one of the founding fathers of the Monrovia Football Program, was an integral part of starting the youth little league (now known as MOBS). Always civic minded, he was a past president of the Monrovia Lions Club, was involved in the Monrovia festival, along with the civic association, and Tom and Arlene were dubbed the grand marshals in the yearly festival parade. The tight knit family of five took vacations in their motorhome visiting places like Canada, California, Tennessee, and his hometown. Tom’s miracle cure for any ailment the kids had was to put rubbing alcohol on it. He enjoyed playing euchre, poker, and rummy, was gifted at cornhole and basketball, as well as hunting and fishing. Loyal, intelligent, devoted and known to be stubborn, Tom was a man of few words and when he gave you “the look” you knew you better get up and get moving. Always there to help anyone in need, he was truly a respectable role model. Tom leaves a legacy that is unmatched and will be forever in the hearts of all who were fortunate to have known and loved him. Along with his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his oldest son, Tommy Simpson; siblings, Martha Mike, Dorothy Simpson, Betty Smith, Josephine Stull, and Jim Simpson; and son in law, Dewey Durham. He leaves behind his loving wife, Arlene Simpson of Monrovia; children, Karen Durham of Indianapolis, and Tim Simpson (wife, Susie) of Southport; grandchildren, Troy, Christy, Kari, Teresa, Sean, Marjorie, Samantha, and Jessica; along with 10 great grandchildren. Cremation Arrangements have been entrusted to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. A Gathering of Friends and Family will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm in the Family Life Center in the Abundant Life Church, 1003 W. Lincoln St., Danville, IN, 46122. To share a favorite story, send an online condolence to the family, or light a candle in Tom’s memory please visit his tribute page at www.lightmemorial.com.

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Tom Simpson

March 23, 1935 - October 22, 2024