Jack of all trades, master of some, Larry D. Simpson, 74, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at home on Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at 11:39 a.m. His passing followed a gallant battle from various cancers spanning nearly 9 years. Larry Simpson was proof that while cancer has the ability to ravage the body it cannot deter the spirit or take away the love you share with others. In the face of adversity he strongly persevered with a positive attitude and maintained his dry sense of humor and desire to help anyone who needed a hand. On July 14, 1939 Larry was born in Emma, (Elkhart County) Indiana, the son of Noel D. and Leola Mae (Smith) Simpson. Growing up he shared his childhood with one brother, Douglas. Larry devoted much of his free time to farming for his father as a young man, taking on a large responsibility for someone his age. As a proud member of the class of 1957, he graduated with pride (from a Hickory Nut to a Tiger) from Talma High School. During his high school years he played softball and participated in FFA. Following high school as a truck driver, he hauled grain & fertilizer for Simpson Seed Company. He later drove for Dean Foods and General Transfer. Once retired from Teamster Local #364 he owned/operated Genetics Plus. In his later years he returned to his first love and farmed for Richland Farms. He appreciated the knowledge he gained from his time in 4-H as well. Larry shared that knowledge by coaching the Fulton County 4-H Horse and Pony Judging Teams. In 1974 the team comprised of Rodney Eiler, Bobby Eiler, Susie Bair and Gail McGuffey, qualified to represent Indiana at the national finals held in Harrisburg, PA. They finished among the top in the nation. It was during this time that he made lifelong friendships with the youth. His love of 4-H also taught him to be a great mentor and supporter of the program. He was incredibly proud of the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren in 4-H. He was especially proud that three generations of Simpsons had their FFA jackets. While there were times that work took him away from attending his children's school events, he would arrive home after a long week's work and trade trucks from the semi to the pickup and spend the weekend with his children showing horses all around the midwest, culminating the first week in October at the Tulsa State Fair. Larry took great pride in attending the grandkids activities as much as he could, spending countless hours watching Geoel's swimming, Garth's wrestling, Chaneigh's volleyball, Ryleigh's basketball, Sidneigh's bowling and summers celebrating their innumerable successes at the county and state fairs. He eagerly anticipated watching his great-granddaughters grow and couldn't wait for the day they'd showed cattle. While he passed on his love of horses to his children and grandchildren, Larry himself loved to both compete and trail ride. In fact, he was well known for his "expertise" in the egg race. He followed his love of western heritage by twice traveling west and riding in the Chief Joseph Trail Ride. Larry was a charter member of Talma-Newcastle Lion's Club and a current member of Akron Lion's Club, totaling 40 years of service. Larry established and headed up the North Central Youth Mini Circuit for young people who enjoyed showing horses, spanning 15 years. He was on the 4-H Livestock Sale Committee for nearly 25 years, and could often be heard accepting bids during the annual 4-H Livestock sale. Additionally, Larry served as the National president for the N.A.P.I. Association. When the Farm Progress Show was held in the fall of 1989 in Fulton County, he was excited to attend, representing 4 generations of Simpson men. While Larry had a heart for Special Olympics and children with special needs, he particularly enjoyed sharing Farm Fun Days with the students from Argos High School. Larry was an avid supporter of CAMP-WE-CAN and could be found every summer, designated as the #1 camp gopher. Above all else in Larry's life was his family and beloved horse Ole' Blue, who had an unconditional partnership with Larry for 33 years. As the proud patriarch, Larry, affectionately known as "Gramps" to more than his family, was infamously known for sharing his starlight mints and gum. Larry could be found at noon each day shootin' the bull at the "farmer's table" at the Evergreen Café until its closing, at which time the "meeting of the minds" moved to Alejandra's. Left to cherish Larry's memory are his three children: Teri (Greg) Carr, Craig (Lorilee) Simpson and Jodie Simpson all of Rochester. Five grandchildren: SGT. Ryleigh Larryn Carr, and fiance' Deanna, of Tacoma, WA, Geoel David Simpson (Samantha), Sidneigh Jo Carr, Chaneigh Mae Carr and Garth Daniel Simpson, and fiance' Alyssa all of Rochester. Three great-granddaughters: Harper Ann, Kathie Lee and Isabella Grace. His brother, Douglas (Sandy) Simpson and nephew, John Simpson, all of Flora; Great nieces and nephews: Lane, Bailey, Brett and Lauren; Special friends, Pam Gordon and David "Red" Border. Those preceding him in death are his parents and a nephew, Mark and niece, Melissa. Visitation will be 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2014 at Good Family Funeral Home, Rochester. Celebration of life will follow at 5 p.m. Akron Lions Club will conduct a memorial service beginning at 4:45 p.m. Pastor David Sommers and Pastor Teri White will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Northern Indiana Community Foundation; CAMP-WE-CAN FUND or the Fulton County Friends of 4-H Fund. A visitation from 9:30 - 10:15 Sunday will be followed by a procession to the graveside at Rochester's IOOF Cemetery. Online expressions of sympathy or to share a story with Larry's family messages may be left a www.goodfamilyfh.com