Fred Simpson

On Saturday February 18th, 2017, Fred Simpson, 86, passed away peacefully in Tucson, Arizona with family at his side. He was born June 6, 1930 in Peoria, Illinois to Fred and Berdie Simpson. Fred grew up in Washington, Illinois and graduated with the Washington High School class of 1948 where he had been active in sports, band, drama and other clubs. Immediately after graduation he began his career at Caterpillar with a job in the factory as part of Caterpillar's four year apprentice program. On August 5th, 1950 Fred was married to Mary Lee Smith. They enjoyed over 40 years together. At Caterpillar, Fred was promoted into the track and undercarriage design group in East Peoria and in 1970 became a supervisor in the hydraulic excavator group at the Aurora plant. He was later promoted to chief engineer at the Joliet plant before moving back to Peoria as director of tech services division until his retirement in 1989 after more than 41 years of service. Fred's most cherished days included vacationing, hunting, fishing and entertaining with family and friends. After retiring to Tucson, AZ and marrying Rita Johnson, Fred and Rita filled their days with traveling, entertaining and golf. And Fred was able to devote more time to training and competing in field trials with his beloved bird dogs Nellie and Bonnie. He was fond of telling his friends in AZ, "I'm just a good ol' boy from Illinois". And he was right. Fred is survived by his sons Bruce Simpson and Craig Simpson (Regan), six grandchildren Ryan Simpson (Gabby), Casie Simpson, Shanna Simpson, Cody Simpson (Daria), Tara Simpson and River Simpson, great granddaughter Sophia Simpson, sister Marilyn King (Alan), cousin Arthur Lewis (Dudie) and extended family members Cindy Rossow-Durham (Steve), Nancy Simpson, Tonya Tison (Ruben), Terry Johnson (Kathy) and Toby Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Mark Simpson, wife Rita Simpson, former wife Mary Lee Simpson and daughter in law Jo Ellen Kelley Simpson. A memorial service will be held 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington, IL. Visitation will be one-hour prior to his service. Burial of Fred's remains will be at Glendale Cemetery in Washington. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fred's memory to the charity of donor's choice. Memories and condolences may be sent using www.masonfuneralhomes.com.