Russell Eugene Simpson 1928-2011

Russell Simpson, 83, of Redding lost his battle with cancer on May 24, 2011 when the angels from heaven came and took him home.  Russ was born in 1928, and graduated from Norfolk High School, NE in 1946.

He served in the US Air Force as a Police Sergeant during the Korean War from 1948 to 1952 and was stationed at Castle Air Force Base.  Russ was a stock car driver in the 1950s and always enjoyed watching NASCAR races. He was a Tool and Die Maker and Supervisor in the Aircraft Industry.  While working in the Aircraft Industry he was part of the development team that worked behind the Iron Curtain, which designed and built the titanium metals that were used for building the Sealth Bomber, as well as the SR71 Black Bird and U2 Spy Plane. He retired after 21 years and started "Simpson Landscaping" business.

He loved being outdoors with his animals, or in his garden, and could often be seen riding his tractor.

He is predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Francis Simpson, brother Evert Simpson and his sister Virginia Fagan.  Survivors include his wife of 59 years; Doris, daughters; Bonnie Grandstaff of Las Vegas, NV, Pamela Simpson of Newport, OR, Beverly Powell of San Diego, CA and Virginia Jones of Redding, CA, 4 son-in-laws who considered him their father, 9 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

Services will be held Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery in Igo, CA.  A reception will follow at the Ono-Igo Community Church, 6287 Placer Road, Igo, CA.

In lieu of flower, the family request that donations are made to the American Cancer Society, or the Veterans Affairs.