CLYDE SIMPSON
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Clyde Richard Simpson passed from this world on August 14, 2009 at his home in Clarendon at the age of 75. He was born September 29, 1933 in Lucinda, Pa., the second of eight children of the late Clyde Kenneth and Ella Elizabeth (Brockway) Simpson.
He enlisted in the Marines in 1953 and received his basic training at Paris Island, N.C. During his Korean War service to his country he contracted scrub typhus, an oriental disease, in Japan and spent a month in a Japanese hospital. In the Marine Corps, he achieved the rank of Corporal.
"Bud" was always an optimist, willing to work at many types of work. He has owned two service stations, operated a couple restaurants, worked in factories and in his prime he was one of the best automobile painters and detailers in the Warren County area. In his free time he played steel guitar in local countrywestern bands. His last business enterprise was selling used merchandise along with some antiques and collectibles at two store locations he setup in Warren. After several strokes and open heart surgery that resulted in partial paralysis, he learned the computer and sold items on eBay.
He met his first wife while he was employed at Pennzoil in Rouseville, Pa. Frannie worked at the Valley Lunch restaurant in Rouseville where Bud often stopped to see his mother. Clyde married Frances Elizabeth Rossman in 1953 and together they had three Daughters: Pamela Simpson, Patricia Simpson Lewis & Deborah Simpson Rudolph. Frannie was born November 24, 1934 and her death on December 15, 1962 was caused by complications of a severe cold and her lifelong asthma.
Bud met his second wife at his restaurant located in the Emlenton area, named "Bud's Restaurant." Bonnie had started working for Bud at his restaurant. Clyde married Bonnie Jean Dunmire November 28, 1964 and together they had two daughters, Rebecca Simpson Aker and Melissa Simpson Edwards. Bud's second wife Bonnie was born November 30, 1945 in South Bend, Indiana County, Pa. and she died May 16, 2005. Bonnie was returning home from dialysis treatment at Warren General Hospital when she had a heart attack and died while driving home.
Bud is survived by his children: Pamela Simpson of Strasburg, Va., Patricia (Jon) Simpson Lewis of Clarion, Pa., Deborah (Rick) Simpson Rudolph of Strasburg, Va., Rebecca Simpson Aker and fiance Frank Skidmore, Jr. of Clarendon, Pa., Melissa (Andrew) Simpson Edwards of Youngsville, Pa.; siblings Roberta Winger of Seneca, Pa., Jane (Richard) Dunkle of Sheffield, Pa., and Richard W. Simpson of Montgomery, Texas; seven grandchildren, 3 stepgrandchildren, two great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and both wives, he was preceded in death by four brothers: Melvin C., Edward K., Robert P. and John E. Simpson as well as a grandson, Hayden Bryce Clyde Edwards, who was stillborn in 2005.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 22, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at Bud's home in Clarendon. Inurnment will be in Starr Cemetery in Clarion County, Pennsylvania. If you wish, you may make memorial contributions to The Cancer Care Center of Warren or Hospice of Warren County.
