I just spoke with Aubrey's wife, Frances, and learned that Aubrey passed away in February of this year in Texas.  He had a kidney transplant in 1987.  Pursuant to Aubrey's wishes and those of his first wife, Edwina Markham, NHS Class of 1961, who predeceased him,  he was cremated.

Frances sent the following, copied from the funeral bulletin.

In Loving Memory of Aubrey Lee Simpson, Jr., Jan 20th, 1943 to Feb 1st, 2009

Memorial Service

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses

Hwy 288 B, Richwood, Texas

2:00 pm

Wednesday, February 4th, 2009

Aubrey Lee Simpson, Jr. was born on January 20, 1943, in Natchitoches, Louisiana.  He attended school and graduated from Natchitoches Central High.  He was the son of the late Aubrel L. Simpson, Sr. and Mamie A. Frantom Simpson.

Early in his life, he was exposed to the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses and became a baptized Christian witness of Jehovah on June 30th, 1961.  He formerly was married to his childhood sweetheart, the late Edwina Markham Simpson, and for the past five years he had been married to Frances Boatner of Forrest City, Arkansas.  They enjoyed sharing their faith with others and many hobbies, particularly gardening.  He served as an elder in the Clute Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses.

 He was known for his sense of humor and his joy of life.

 He is survived by his loving wife, Frances; his siseter and brother-in-law, Elizabth and Jack Parnell; four stepchildren; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two nieces and two nephews, Angel Petering, Tony Parnell, Johnny Parnell, Terri Parnell and their families; and many friends and loved ones.

Memorial talk given by Glen Swisher.  Closing Song #4 (from Luke 23:43), Concluding prayer by Doug Bauer, Remembrance Dinner & Reception at Oyster Creek Community Center, immediately following.

The following is a poem written by Aubrey on Dec 1, 1991

God's Book of Life

Is your name or mine written in God's Book

If we could just open it and take a look

Has my name been written and recorded

To those listed everlasting life will be awarded

What determines whether our name is written on a page

It is whether we have received God's blessing or his rage

A good name will help us to be secure

We can have a place in God's memory, a name that will endure

Heeding the example left by Jesus Christ, God's Son

We can fight the fine fight and the prize of life can be won

God's name is the most important name in the universe

Are we putting things in perspective, God's name first

Even if by chance in depth we fall

We can be resurrected to life heeding Jesus' call

So when this world ends and the smoke does clear

Will the role call of God's Book prove our name, a name to God very Dear.

The following is a poem Aubrey wrote for his wife's, Edwina Aileen Markham Simpson, funeral on Wednesday April 30, 2003:

God's Promise

Jehovah is a God of truth; He cannot lie He still remembers us even if we should die

We should listen to His word, His promises He will keep Even to our loved ones lying in death's sleep

When we lose a dear one in death there is much grief Even though this world's end is near and His sleep will be brief

Remember Jehovah is a God of comfort and love Every good gift and perfect present comes down from above

The thought of seeing our loved ones awaken from death healthy and sound This is one of the greatest comforts that can be found

Just as God's Son, Jesus, gave a commanding call "Come on out"

Lazarus did and our dear Edwina will too When she hears Jesus shout