Richard A. Simpson

Richard A. Simpson, age 85, of Arnold, MO. passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2017. Richard was born January 17, 1932 in St. Louis, MO. to the late Henrietta Simpson (nee Bullerdick) and Robert A. Simpson.

Richard is survived by his wife of 56 years, Wanda J. Simpson (nee Lawrence), and three children: son Richard E. (Paula) Simpson; daughter Ruth Ann (Breck) Washam; and daughter Leah Anne (Keith) DeBold. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren: Michael, Sara, Bryan, and Emma Simpson; Landon, Taylor, and Blake Washam; Mitchel and Peyton DeBold.

Richard graduated from Cleveland High School in 1949 and was very active in the alumni group and received the Cleveland High Wall of Fame award in 2011. He graduated from Harris Teachers College in St. Louis in 1953 with a degree in elementary education and a minor in physical sciences. He was drafted into the Army upon graduation in 1953. He served one year at Fort Lewis, Washington and one year in Korea as an Army Corporal forward observer for the artillery on the DMZ. After discharge from the Army, he began teaching math and science to the first freshman class at Fox High School in 1955. Richard sponsored the first yearbook (all the photography), the cheerleaders, the Pep Club, and the Senior Class. He began the first Teen Town that served as a recreational outlet for teenagers in Arnold. From 1955 to 1956 he attended Washington University to complete his secondary education courses. In 1956 he transferred to St. Louis University and there he earned a Master of Arts Degree in 1960. During that time he was awarded two National Science Foundation Grants in math and science. He became Principal of Fox Junior High in 1960 and served until 1965. He then was promoted to Principal of Fox High School and served until 1975. At that time he was promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education and served in that capacity until the 1996-97 school year when he finished his career as Interim Superintendent. He retired in 1997 after 42 years of service. Richard was passionate about arts and entertainment and brought forth his dream of Fox C-6 School District having an auditorium. It became a reality when the Rickman Auditorium was built in 1986 and the auditorium continues to serve the school and the Arnold community. Richard was honored when they built and named a school after him in 1994: Richard A. Simpson Elementary. On May 11, 2017, Richard received the Masterpiece Award for profound excellence in providing love, service, and care to the Fox C-6 School District. Richard’s love and passion to serve the Fox C-6 School District continued for 62 years until his death.

Richard was a member of St. Mark United Church of Christ in Arnold since 1959 and served in many positions including the church choir. He was a founding member and sang with the St. Louis Metro Singers for 60 years. He was an active member of the Arnold Rotary Club for 40 years, the Korean War Veterans Association in Jefferson County, and a founding member of the Arnold Historical Society.

Richard loved and cherished his family and all his many dear friends. Everything about the Arnold community was near and dear to his heart. His legacy will live on in the memories of many and he will be greatly missed.

A visitation for Richard will be held Thursday, January 4, 2018 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at St. John's United Church of Christ, 11333 St. John's Church Rd., Mehlville, MO 63123. A visitation will occur Friday, January 5, 2018 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM, 11333 St. John's Church Rd., Mehlville, MO 63123. A funeral service will be on Friday, January 5, 2018 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at St. John's United Church of Christ. The committal service will occur Friday, January 5, 2018 from 12:30 PM to 12:45 PM at National Cemetery, 2900 Sheridan, Jefferson Barracks, MO 63125. The burial will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Richard's memory may be made to Arnold Historical Society, 1723 Jeffco Blvd., Arnold, Missouri 63010 US, www.arnoldhistorical.org; and Korean War Veterans Association, P.O. Box 407, Charleston, Illinois 61920 US, http://kwva.us.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.heiligtagfuneralhome.com for the Simpson family.