Donald Bateman Simpson, age 89

Donald Bateman Simpson, 89, of Brinkley passed away on December 25, 2019.  He was born in Brinkley, Arkansas on November 19, 1930 to the late Willard Bateman Simpson and Ester Nelson-Simpson.

He was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather brother and friend to all that knew him.  Donald grew up in the Allendale Community before relocating to Brinkley in the 1970’s.  He married his elementary sweetheart, Minnie Jean Burrow on July 31, 1950 and were married for 70 years. He attended the Broadmoor Baptist Church in Brinkley until his health didn’t allow him to attend.  Although he was not able to attend, he always made it a point to read and study his Bible.  He farmed for over 30 years, drove a truck and managed the maintenance for two local motels in Brinkley before retiring. Donald served in the Army National Guard for 10 years, when he was Honorably discharged in July 1958. He enjoyed the outdoors and was always busy tinkering on something.  No matter how busy he was with work he always made family his top priority.

He is preceded in death by his two sister Carolyn Shumard and Iris Mitchell.

Donald leaves behind his loving family, his wife Minnie Jean Burrow-Simpson; his sons Larry Simpson of Beebe, Arkansas and Travis Simpson (Kim) of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; his four grandsons Britt Simpson (Kristi) of Beebe, Arkansas, Bryan Simpson (Denna) of Palestine, Arkansas, Zach Simpson of Grady, Arkansas and Donald Glean Simpson (Jordan) of Helena, Arkansas; his ten great-grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren; two brothers Joe Simpson (Pat) of Texas and Gary Simpson (Maryann) of Mississippi and many friends and extended family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas. 501-982-3400