Donald 'Don' 'Coach' Simpson

Donald "Don" "Coach" T. Simpson passed away Monday, February 3, 2020 at his residence in Thermopolis after a period of declining health.

Born April 23, 1933, in Rochford, S. D., he was one of five children of Elmer "Ty" and Marie (Larson) Simpson. Following graduation from Provo High School in Igloo, S.D., he served in the US Navy from 1952-1956. On August 31, 1956, he married his "pen pal" Lois J. Mecca in Rock Springs, Wyo.

Don attended Black Hills State in Spearfish, S.D., receiving a degree in History and Social Sciences and taught 4 years in Glendive, Mont. In 1964 the family moved to Thermopolis where Don taught middle school and coached until retirement in 1997. His life was all about nurturing children.

He was a Golden Glove Boxing Champion in South Dakota. In Thermopolis he was a member of the First Baptist Church. As a member of the VFW he served as Commander for one year. He enjoyed reading, gardening, watering the lawn, sports, casinos, singing, and dancing where he and Lois won a jitterbug contest.

He is survived by his wife Lois of 63 years; children, Steve (Jenny Jo) of Lander, Wyo., Terri (Joe) Dicesare of Thermopolis and Lisa (Ron) Miller of Shreve, Ohio; nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren with one on the way.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters; and twin brother.

Memorial services will be held April 25 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church with Pastor Harvey Seidel officiating, with a dinner to follow.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Coach Don Simpson Hall of Fame Memorial Scholarship % Lois Simpson, P.O.Box 427, Thermopolis, 82443.

Mortimore Funeral Home is assisting the family and messages may be offered at http://www.mortfh.com.