We regret to inform you of the death of Sergeant Robert (Bob) J. Simpson, MDSP, Retired, on July 13, 2023 at the Dove House in Westminster.
Obituary
Robert James Simpson, 85, of Manchester, MD, passed away on July 13, 2023, at Bridging Life Hospice in Westminster, MD. Born September 16, 1937, in Baltimore, MD, he was the son of the late Kenneth and Ida (Hartzell) Simpson and the beloved husband of Peggy Stone Simpson, his wife of 32 years.
Robert was a graduate of Howard High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft mechanic and after leaving the military joined the Maryland State Police. During his 23 years with MSP, he served as a Road Trooper before transferring to the aviation division where he flew medevac helicopters.
After retiring from MSP as a sergeant in 1983, he spent 11 years flying for MedStar in Washington, D.C. Robert was a licensed pilot and instructor in both fixed wing aircraft and jet helicopters. He enjoyed skydiving, operating Amateur Radio and participating in Cycle Across Maryland (CAM) tours.
He was an active member of the Maryland Troopers Association, Maryland State Police Alumni Association, Quiet Birdmen, and Experimental Aircraft Association, where he donated his time and services flying 360 Young Eagles who were pursuing their interests in flight.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, are his two daughters, Laura Simpson of Chambersburg, PA, and Susan Meyer of Hampstead, MD; son, Robert Simpson of Gettysburg, PA; brother, Kenneth Simpson and wife Deborah Graham of Pueblo, CO; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Sgt. Simpson was preceded in death by Maryland State Police TFC Carey S. Poetzman, who was killed in the Line of Duty in a helicopter accident on 01/19/1986.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either, The Gettysburg Barnstormers, c/o Treasurer Karen Radzai, 450 Shrivers Corner Road, Gettysburg, PA, 17325 or Maryland State Police Alumni Memorial Fund, 1750 S. Plantation Drive, Dunkirk, MD 20754.
VISITATION / SERVICE
The family will receive friends at Christ Lutheran Church, 16530 Trenton Church Road, Upperco, MD, 21155, on Saturday, August 5, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A memorial service will immediately follow the visitation, with Pastor Michael Adams officiating.
A reception will take place after the service. If planning to attend the reception, please RSVP to jan2525p@gmail.com
August 5, 2023.
Visitation at 10:00 am,
Service at 11:00am.
Luncheon following service at the church.
Interment will be private.
Sergeant Simpson was stationed at the old Annapolis Barrack in the early 1960’s until the installation moved to Rowe Blvd, its current location. From there he was assigned to the Aviation Division where he remained until his retirement. Sergeant Simpson was an active road trooper, having been involved in many incidents thru those years. He will be sorely missed by his multitude of friends. I am proud to say I am one of them.
Captain John W. Howard, MDSP, Retired
