Melvin E. Simpson's Obituary
Mr. Melvin E. Simpson, age 79, of Spring Lake joined his family and friends in the heavenly kingdom Thursday, June 25, 2015. He was born January 28, 1936 in Royal Oak to Melvin and Dorothy (Marsh) Simpson. On August 2, 1958 he married the former Beverly VanderMolen in Spring Lake.
Melvin was an active member of St. Patrick - St. Anthony Catholic Church where he served as a Eucharistic minister and helped with the youth ministries. He was a member of the Horizon South Snow Bird Club, Noah’s Ark Club of Florida, he enjoyed bowling, wood turning, camping, and hiking. He loved to travel, not only in the United States, but internationally as well. Melvin had a passion for swing dancing and spending time boating. Melvin was a veteran of the U.S Army and worked for the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers for 39 years. After retiring he worked for FEMA with disaster relief and reconstruction for 10 years and impacted many lives. Most all he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Beverly; two children, Angela (Greg) Taylor of Grand Haven, John (Sherry) Simpson of Dexter; five grandchildren: Tyler (Kelli Austhof) Joslin, Cortney (Jerimiah) Clark, Zachary Taylor, Paul Taylor and Ann Taylor; four great-grandchildren: Lailah Clark, Roger Davis, Jillian Davis and Cedric Davis. He is also survived by two sisters, Nancy Barber of Utica, and Judy (Tony) DeWan of Royal Oak; and many brothers and sisters-in-laws, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Dorothy Simpson; brother, Robert (Elaine) Simpson and brother-in-law, Dale Barber.
Services for Melvin will be 11:00 AM Thursday, July 2, 2015 at St. Patrick – St. Anthony Catholic Church. Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 PM Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home in Grand Haven with a prayer service at 7:30 PM. Memorial contributions in memory of Melvin may be given to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
The family is being served by VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home of Grand Haven.
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