Forrest Michael “Mike” Simpson, 76, of Bedias, Texas, passed away peacefully on January 26th, 2022, with his wife, Becky, and children, Michael, Travis, and Barret lovingly by his side. Mike was born on May 2nd, 1945, to Bernice and Forrest Simpson in Crockett, Texas and raised in Conroe, Texas with his younger brothers Jerry and Pat.
Mike always had a passion for wildlife and the outdoors. It was this passion that led him to create Conroe Taxidermy in 1972. What began as a hobby in his parent’s carport, grew into the largest taxidermy facility in the southern U.S. and one of the biggest in the nation. Mike ran the family business with his three sons. Mike attributed their business’ growth to hard work, attention to detail, and craftmanship.
Along with his very successful business life Mike contributed countless hours to Safari Club International, Houston Safari Club Foundation, Dallas Safari Club, and the Wild Sheep Foundation. Mike served as President (SCI, HSCF) and on numerous committees as he believed that by these organizations working cooperatively, they could achieve a common goal of protecting our freedom to hunt and to promote wildlife conservation worldwide.
Mike hunted on six continents, collecting more than 350 species with most qualifying for the Record Book. He won numerous awards during his lifetime including the C.J. McElroy Award, the Weatherby International Hunter of the Year Award, the World Hunting Award, SCI Hall of Fame Award, and the Jim Conklin Award. Mike Simpson was a member of the NRA, Boone & Crockett Club, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, International Sheep Hunting Association, Sportsman Club of Texas, Ducks Unlimited, Coastal Conversation Association, Rocky Mountain Mule Deer Foundation, Grand Slam Club, Texas Operation Game Thief, Exotic Wildlife Association, National Taxidermy Association, and Record of Exotics.
Mike is survived by his loving wife, Becky Simpson, and was a proud father to his three sons and their wives, Michael and Jody, Travis and Dawn, and Barret and Stacey. Mike never missed an opportunity to brag about his grandchildren and great grandchildren and was the best Paw Paw to Megan and Thomas Doyel, Weston and Wendy Simpson, Jacob Simpson and Jenna LaRoy, Autumn Robles Simpson and Kris Robles, Austin Simpson, Tristan Simpson, Brooklyn Simpson, Julia Doyel (6 years), Lillian Doyel (2 years), Ezekiel Robles Simpson (1 year), and soon to be born Levi Forrest Simpson. Mike is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Jerry and Vicki Simpson and Pat and Jeanie Simpson as well as nieces, nephews, and extended family. The legacy of Mike Simpson’s sincere kindness toward others and un-ending taste for adventure will live on through his large and loving family.
The Simpson Family invites you to join in celebrating the life of Mike Simpson. A visitation will be held from 5-7 pm on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at the Metcalf Funeral Home on 1801 E White Oak Terrance, Conroe, Texas 77304. The service will also be held at Metcalf Funeral Home on Thursday, February 10, 2022, at 10 am. A brief grave site service will be held at approximately 12:30 at the Garden Park Cemetery located on 801 Teas Road, Conroe, Texas 77303. Following the graveside service, at approximately 1:30 pm, family and friends are welcome to join the Simpson Family at the Conroe Taxidermy Showroom located at 11845 Clark Lane, Conroe, Texas, 77385 to share hunting stories and memories.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Simpson family by clicking the "Add a Memory" tab.
