Donald Ray Simpson, 84 of LaMoille died on May 24, 2018 in Citadel Care Center, Elgin surrounded by his loving family.

Memorial services will be Thursday at 11:00 a.m., in the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota with Rev. Tim Baltz officiating. Burial will be in Union Cemetery, LaMoille with military honors by Mendota VFW Post 4079. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4-8 p.m., in the funeral home.

Donnie was born on June 22, 1933 in Paw Paw to Robert E. and Ada (Towne) Simpson. He married Elizabeth Irene File on September 21, 1958 in Mendota.

He attended Mendota High School and graduated in 1951.   He enlisted in the Navy in the fall of 1951 for five years and was a corpman in the Korean War and played baseball at the Great Lakes Naval Base. Serving his country was very important to him as well as serving his community. After their marriage he began serving the community as a service station owner delivering "Service with a Smile" for over 46 years. He continued his commitment to the community for many years by being involved in the following: volunteer fireman and EMT, commander for the American Legion in LaMoille, care-giver of "Buffy" and the buffalo, mentor, cheerleader, Grand Marshall of the Buffalo Days Parade in 2015, and sponsored many school activities and community events.   He was a genuine person who would go above and beyond to help anyone in need. Above all he was a loving and a compassionate husband, father and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife, Irene of LaMoille; one son, Kyle (Marylee) Simpson of LaMoille; two daughters, Brenda (Ron) Ross of Sugar Grove and Renee (Kent) Waido of Valley, AL; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three sisters, Betty Rogers of Mendota, Louise Ambler of Mendota and Cynthia Donna of Cherry and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, seven sisters, and an infant grandson.

Memorials may be directed to the LaMoille Fire and Ambulance Department.