SIMPSON DAVID E

CW2 David "Dave" E. Simpson was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 01/07/2025 at the age of 75.6
Manor, TX
Flight Classes 68-517 and 68-31
Date of Birth 05/30/1949
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with HHC 1 BDE 101 ABN in 68-69, A/101 AVN 101 ABN in 69
Call sign in Vietnam COMANCHERO 11
This information was provided by Vance Barton

More detail on this person: David graduated from high school during the Vietnam War and immediately joined the United States Army to support the war effort. David's rough and tough exterior were perfect for the Army's aviation program as a helicopter pilot. Dave became a decorated hero for making numerous rescue missions to save the lives of many military buddies. One of Dave's greatest passions was scuba diving and underwater photography. Needless to say, Dave also had a passion for animals. At one point, he and his wife Dorothy nurtured and housed up to 45 stray animals. Dave's rough and tough exterior had a heart of gold that would not allow him to leave a hungry, lonely animal. He was also an avid competition shooter, winning several awards. Dave spent most of his work life as a helicopter pilot, and an aviation and auto mechanic, devoting much of his work time to assure that the Austin Emergency Starflight helicopter was in working order. His love for Volvo's led him to open Dave's Imports repair shop which he operated for many years. Dave is survived by his wife of 48 years, Dorothy Simpson; daughter and son-in-law, Janna and Jim Wilhoit; granddaughter, Marisa; great-grandchildren, Sebastian and Aniya; brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Barbara Simpson; nephews Isaac and David Simpson; and niece Abigale Payne. He is also survived by many friends and military buddies. Dave was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Vera Simpson, and his nephew, Michael Harrison Simpson. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Austin Humane Society or any animal shelter of your choice. A funeral service for David will be held Tuesday, January 28, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar, Austin, TX 78752. Following the funeral service will be a committal service from 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, TX 78209.

Burial information: Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

This information was last updated 04/08/2025

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Date posted on this site: 07/12/2025