Chief Simpson suffered a fatal heart attack while at the police station at 8:25 pm. He was transported by patrol car to Breech Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 9:30 pm.

Chief Simpson was with the agency for 21 years joining on January 1, 1963. He also previously served with the Springfield Police Department and St. Louis Police Department and as a sergeant in the U.S. Army. He was survived by his wife, Wilma; son, Jay; two daughters, Susie and Kathy, and three grandchildren. Interred: Hufft Cemetery.