Robert Lafayette Simpson

Robert “Bob” Lafayette Simpson the son of Ted Estelle and Violet (Dalzell) Simpson, was born February 10, 1935, in Exira, Iowa and died of natural causes on August 20, 2016, at the Exira Care Center in Exira, Iowa at the age of 81 years, 6 months, and 10 days.
Robert was raised on the family farm in Brayton which was started by his grandfather, Lafe Simpson in 1884. He graduated from the Exira High School in 1953. After high school, he attended Iowa State University where he was a member of the baseball team and a brother in the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Judy Rae Hall on September 9, 1956, at the Federated Church in Exira, IA. Four children: Ben, Sally, Susie and Thomas were born to this union. After university on May 20, 1957, Robert enlisted in the U.S. Army. During his tour of duty he served with the 568th Engineer Company as a Supply Specialist and was stationed in Germany. On May 12, 1959 he was honorably discharged. He lived several years in Strawberry Point, Lisbon and Sigourney, IA working in the Agri-chemical business. In 1975, he returned to fulfill a life-long dream to take over the family farm in Brayton, IA. He later retired and moved to Exira, IA. Due to health issues, he became a resident of the Exira Care Center in June of 2011.
Robert was a life time member of the Brayton American Legion and the Elks. He was an athlete in high school and college and remained a devout Iowa State Cyclone fan. At one time, he held the record for longest home run hit for the Exira High School team and even played a community game against baseball great Bob Gibson. He later enjoyed following his grandchildren’s sporting events. Robert had many friends and enjoyed socializing with a cocktail or a cup of coffee. He also enjoyed playing black jack and craps and was a frequent visitor to Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada as well as the casinos in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Preceding him in death were his parents; one brother William Simpson of St. Louis, MO; and nephews Charles “Charlie” Simpson and Brad Simpson.
Robert is survived by his wife, Judy Simpson of the Exira Care Center in Exira, Iowa; his children Robert Benjamin “Ben” Simpson, Susie Simpson and fiancé Kim Black, and Thomas and wife Kristi Simpson, all of Exira, Iowa, and Sally and husband Jay Rajcevich of Moreno Valley, California; his grandchildren Jamie Rajcevich of Scottsdale, Arizona, Kathryn Rajcevich of Iowa City, Iowa, Justice Simpson of Des Moines, Iowa, Kasie Simpson of Exira, Iowa, and Tate Simpson of Maryville, Missouri; his brother John and wife Lin Simpson of Fort Dodge, Iowa; and Lorraine Simpson of Council Bluffs, Iowa; several nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services will be conducted by Reverend Nancy Jensen on Thursday, August 25, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Exira, Iowa. Interment will be in the Exira Cemetery in Exira, IA. The casket bearers will be, Ben Simpson, Tom Simpson, Tate Simpson, Scott Simpson, Brian Simpson, Jack Peppers. Everyone is welcome to attend and celebrate Robert’s life. Condolences can be sent to Kessler Funeral Home. The family would like to thank the Exira Care Center for their care.