Obituary of Douglas Simpson, III
Douglas Simpson, III was born on September 26, 1998, in Garden City, Michigan. While attending Dearborn Heights Annapolis High School, Doug proudly served in the Junior ROTC program. He was also a member of the band, skillfully playing the clarinet. Doug graduated with the Class of 2017, shortly thereafter joining the ranks of the United States Army. After completing boot camp, he jokingly told his “Ma”, he was thinking he should go to college instead.
Doug had a deep sense of patriotism, loyalty, and commitment to his country; He was proud to follow in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps by serving in the military. Doug was an excellent representation of the values, traditions, and history of the Army. As a soldier, he learned to work as part of a team and to be a leader, which earned him a promotion to staff sergeant. He was loyal to a fault, often going out of his way for anyone and everyone that needed assistance. He was a true role model with his actions inspiring those around him.
When home on leave from the Army, Doug often spent time catching up with friends at the Dundee Veterans Club or practicing his marksmanship at the Dundee Sportsman Club. He also could be seen parking himself on the couch to binge watch Disney movies. His niece Everleigh regularly hosted tea parties with Uncle Doug being the guest of honor. In fact, the duo was looking forward to sharing tea over a new tea table set recently purchased. Doug never missed an opportunity to battle it out with his brother, Earl, in a video game of Minecraft or FaceTime his sister, Amber, just for the sole purpose of annoying her by making sarcastic remarks. They all knew these shared experiences were ways of showing their love for each other.
Doug took great pride in a polished appearance, not just with his military uniform, but with his everyday attire. While stationed at Fort Riley in Kansas, he attended the Rodeo, always making sure to don his best cowboy hat and boots. He frequently repeated his signature line, “it is what it is”, much to his mother’s chagrin, but it was a simple way to let those around him know he was not going to dwell on things that were beyond his control.
Sergeant Douglas Simpson, III, age 24, of Dundee, formerly of Dearborn Heights, passed away unexpectedly on Friday; April 21, 2023. His passing was preceded by his grandparents. To cherish his memory, he leaves his parents: Sharon and Douglas Simpson, Sr.; a sister: Amber (George) Tibu; a brother: Earl Simpson; a niece: Everleigh and a nephew: Maverick.
Sergeant Simpson will be escorted home to Dundee, Michigan from Detroit Metropolitan Airport on Tuesday; May 2, 2023. Anyone wishing to support the family may meet at Merkle Funeral Service, Dundee at 5:45pm.
Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm on Wednesday May 3, 2023, at Merkle Funeral Service, Dundee; 297 Tecumseh Street, Dundee, Michigan 48131 (734) 529-3156. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 12:00pm on Thursday May 4, 2023, also at Merkle’s. Procession will follow to Maple Grove Cemetery in Dundee where full military honors will be provided by the United States Army.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to charities to assist veterans and their families. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.