In Memory

Arthur Browne "A. B. " Simpson

Arthur Browne A. B.  Simpson

Mr. Simpson was a 1st generation American.  His father, William George Simpson, was born in England and his mother, Sarah Jane Browne, was born in Ireland.  Mr. Simpson and his wife, Gertrude Allen Foster, were married on 12 August 1922.

The Town Talk, Alexandria-Pineville, LA, pg A-16, Sunday, 30 May 1976

Arthur Simpson, Retired Educator

Natchitoches, La. - Arthur Browne Simpson, 80, of Natchitoches died Friday in the Natchitoches Parish Hospital.  He was a native of Arcadia, a veteran of World War I.  He was prinicpal of Natchitoches High School for 28 years and professor in charge of student teaching at Northwestern State College for the same period of time.

He was a graduate of Tulane University and an outstanding athelete.

Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Gertrude Foster Simpson of Natchitoches; one son, Jack Simpson of Alexandria; two daughters, Mrs. L.A. Smith Jr. of Dallas and Mrs. William A. Gibson II of Natchitoches; nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home chapel with Rev. James Carter officiating.  Burial will be in the Memory Lawn Cemetery.

Pallbearers are L.A. Smith III, Ronald Smith, William A. Gibson III, Arthur Walter Gibson, Gary Christian Gibson, Jack Kenneth Simpson Jr.

John Ropp wrote a tribute to Mr. Simpson that follows:

A Salute to Mr. Simpson, Our High School Principal

As we reminisce about our high school days, we remember our principal in many ways.  Just closing our eyes we still can see This admired man we secretly called A.B.

Mr. Simpson served Natchitoches High for years.  Our memories come back with laughs and tears.  He walked the halls as quiet as a ghost, But respect for his leadership stands out the most.

We think of all the contributions he made, The time, effort, loyalty and price he paid.  He could show a serious but friendly face, And walk an extra mile, any time, any place.

Remember the assembly we had each school day?  He hoped his lecture would guide our future pathway.  The man touched our lives as he would a friend, Oh, how we wish we could hear him again.

Built like Lincoln, his hair was sandy red.  Go to his office and you retained what he said.  Education and discipline came first - no doubt, His moral and ethical values were strong and stout.

Now when your life shadows slowly fall, And all about our high school days we recall, A treasured reflection of Mr. Simpson will always be there.  We cherish his commitment, his trust and his care.

When we all reach Heaven in the blue, If a school house is there for me and you, We know Mr. Simpson will be our principal in space, Making sure we are all present in the proper place.

John Ropp, Reunion 2005, Classes 1942 - 1946, Natchitoches High School, Natchitoches, Louisiana