Stephen J. Simpson

September 20, 1920 – October 28, 2010

Stephen J. Simpson, 90, of Lakewood, PA, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2010, at Wayne Memorial Hospital, Honesdale, PA. He was born on September 20, 1920, in Lakewood, the son of Glenn and Grace (Monahan) Simpson.

Upon completing Lakewood High School, Steve enlisted in the Army Air Corp. While training for overseas duty, Steve married his hometown sweetheart, the former Ann E. Hagenmeier, and they remained together for 67 years. He was a First Lieutenant during WWII and served in the 95th Bomb Group as a Navigator on a B17 Flying Fortress. He was shot down on March 4, 1944 during the 1st daylight raid over Berlin and was held for 14 months as a POW in Stalag Luft 1 in Nor thern Germany.

Following the war, he served 2 more years and was honorably discharged.

Upon completion of his service, Steve returned to Lakewood and continued life as a truck driver and later a rural mail carrier, retiring in 1982.

He was a member of the VFW in Hallstead and also the American Legion 6 Star Post 209 in Lakewood where we enjoyed his daily card games.

"Pop", as he was lovingly referred to as by many, dedicated his life to his family.

Surviving are two sons, Lawrence and Randy, as well as, his wife Patsy, 3 grandchildren, Stephen and wife Brandy, Brady Simpson, Nicole and husband Scott Woodmansee, as well as, 4 great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Logan Simpson, Stevie Grace and Wyatt Woodmansee.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 29, 2010 from 5-8PM at the Henderson-Biedekapp Funeral Chapel, Hancock, NY. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2010, at 10AM at St. Juliana's Catholic Church, Rock Lake, PA, and interment will follow in the parish cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made in Steve's memory to the American Legion 6 Star Post 209, Lakewood, PA. Arrangements by Henderson-Biedekapp Funeral Chapel, Hancock, NY.

Wayne Independent, The (Honesdale, PA) - Friday, October 29, 2010