LTC George L. Simpson, Army (Ret), 80, of Casey Key, Florida and formerly of Eau Claire died Friday, August 29, 2003, in Venice, Florida. He was born in Eau Claire on March 26, 1923, the son of George and Marie (Stannard) Simpson, where he attended Eau Claire High School.\r\nHe also attended Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire and Madison, Purdue University, East Carolina University, Weber College and Utah. He graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in engineering.\r\nCol. Simpson spent nearly a quarter of a century in the U.S. Army. He enlisted in 1942, served during WWII with the 301st Infantry in Europe, participating in five major campaigns, landing shortly after "D" day. Upon cessation of hostilities and the dismantling of Infantry Divisions, Col. Simpson was assigned to the Army Transportation Corps, where he served in logistical, staff and command positions.\r\nCol. Simpson served with the early "Green Berets" and was a member of the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) when he retired.\r\nHe has 25 decorations and awards, including two Bronze Star Medals, two Purple Heart Medals, the WWII Presidential Citation, the Korean Citation and the Thank You America Award from France. \r\nSurviving family members include his wife, Denise Billecard "Darcel" Simpson of Casey Key, Florida, and three step-sons.\r\nThe television program "Against All Odds" told the story of how George and Darcel met in Paris in 1945, and reunited 45 years later in the United States.\r\nGraveside services will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, September 11, 2003, at Forest Hill Cemetery with The Very Rev. H. Scott Kirby of Christ Church Cathedral officiating. Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family.

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