Melvin Lee Simpson

Melvin Lee Simpson, 77, of Mount Ida, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, July 26, 2023, in Hot Springs surrounded by his family. He was born March 15, 1946, in Mount Ida to the late William R. and Zelma (Featherston) Simpson. He is preceded in death by both of his parents, a sister Debbie Cunningham, and a brother-in-law Delano Sanders.

Melvin is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Margaret Etter Simpson; daughters Nan Wilson and husband Jeff and Sally Rupert and husband Shon; grandchildren Whitney Wilson and fiancé Chris, T.J. Wilson and wife Jessi, Katie Rupert, and Will Rupert; great-grandson Jett Wilson; siblings Billie Sue Sanders, Tommy Simpson and wife Lois, Jean Bonady and husband Dick; many nieces and nephews, along with a host of other family and friends.

Born at home, Melvin grew up in Mount Ida, Arkansas. He attended Mount Ida Schools and then Henderson State College. There he majored in business, joined ROTC, earned a track scholarship, and worked in the student union. Henderson is also where he met the love of his life Margaret Etter. He made many attempts to convince her to go out on a date with him, but he was finally successful by stealing her student ID and promising to return it only if he could buy her a Coke. Upon graduation from Henderson, Melvin completed training and subsequently served in the Vietnam War, where he was a Huey helicopter pilot. At the completion of his tour of duty, Melvin returned to Arkansas and married Margaret in the Presbyterian Church in her hometown of Washington. Their marriage brought many joyous years together raising Nan and Sally.

After being discharged from the Army, Melvin spent a few years working for Texas Farm Bureau Insurance and Tristate Motor Freight. Wanting to return to Arkansas, he began his banking career as a bank examiner with the FDIC. In 1977 the family moved back to his hometown of Mount Ida where Melvin enjoyed a long career at the Bank of Montgomery County until his retirement in 2005.

Melvin had many interests and hobbies. One was riding his BMW motorcycle. To celebrate his retirement from banking, he and many great friends struck out on a motorcycle trip to Mexico riding all the way to the Yucatán Peninsula and back. Riding his bike brought him much joy, and he saw all four corners of the U.S., including Alaska, on that BMW motorcycle.

An avid outdoorsman all his life, Melvin loved hunting for white tail deer and turkeys in the Ouachita National Forest and made many trips elsewhere to hunt antelope, elk, mule deer, bear, and moose. He also enjoyed many hours hunting squirrels near his home with his dog Sam. He loved hunting best when he was accompanied by his sons-in-law, grandsons, nephews, and friends. He and Margaret also embarked upon a South African safari in recent years.

Melvin was known to be an excellent marksman and always loved shooting and reloading his own ammo. He spent much time at the range with his friends from the Ouachita Sportsman Association. Throughout his life, he competed in turkey shoots and skeet, trap, and center fire rifle competitions.

Melvin, a member of Mount Ida United Methodist Church, was cherished and loved by his family and friends. We find comfort in knowing we will see him again. Visitation will be held Monday, July 31, from 5-7 pm at Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida. A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, August 1, at 10 am at the Mount Ida United Methodist Church with Bro. Fred Hunter and Bro. Paul Coy officiating. Pallbearers will be Jeff Wilson, Shon Rupert, T.J. Wilson, Will Rupert, Phillip Sanders, and Scott Sanders. Arrangements are under the direction of Thornton Funeral Service in Mount Ida. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com.