Obituary: Donald Wayne Simpson

ANACONDA - Donald Wayne Simpson, 71 of Deer Lodge, MT passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024 at his home. He was the son of Jesse and Cora Simpson, the youngest of their ten children. He was born in Silverton, OR on June 12, 1953. He graduated from High School in Silverton, OR in 1971. He married his first wife when he was 20 and they had two daughters, Brenda and Sarah. That marriage ended in divorce but he continued to be a loving devoted father to his two girls.

After overcoming his own addiction demons, at age 28 he began attending college at Chemekta Community College, then transferred to Western Oregon State University where he graduated with a BS in Sociology. He worked in the Chemical Dependency field for 37 years helping others overcome addictions. He was President of the MAADAC (Montana Association of Addiction Counselors) for two years, serving on the board for a total of six years. His last professional position, prior to his retirement, was counseling in the Montana Drug Treatment Courts in Butte, MT. Don was passionate about helping others overcome the stranglehold of addiction, and he always felt that he had been pulled out of his own addictions and called by God to help others do the same, for the rest of his life.

Don met his second wife, Sheryl Todd, in 1984 in Silverton, OR at their church. They were married and sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls, ID temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on August 7th of 1985 and celebrated their 39th anniversary this past August. Together, following professional opportunities, they lived in Tacoma, WA, Baker, MT, Miles City, MT, Manhattan, MT and finally to Deer Lodge, MT where they made their permanent home of 23 years. Don served in many capacities in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as Counselor in the Branch Presidency, Counselor in Elders Quorum Presidency, Sunday School teacher, as a Primary teacher, and nursery leader. Of all of these callings, Don most loved his service to the children, he was called "Papa Simpson" and was very proud of that.

Don is survived by his wife Sheryl, his daughters Brenda (Brent) Jones and Sarah (Shane) Mestas, sisters Pearl Bruton, Aliene Sawyer, and Judy Nelson and ten grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Jesse and Cora, siblings Alice, Ella, Tom, Shirley, Jane,and Jerry and two grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 11 at 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Deer Lodge, MT. All are welcome to attend. In lieu

of flowers donations can be made in Don's name to the Neiman Pie Association or charity of your choice.

Please visit www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Donald.