Richard Simpson

Long-time Red Oak band director, Richard Simpson (1914-2006), passed away
on Thursday, March 16, 2006 at his residence. He was 91 years old. On Tuesday, March 21, 2006 at 7:00 P.M., rosary recitation for Mr. Simpson was held at the Nelson, Boylan, & LeRette Funeral Home, located at 410 6th Street in Red Oak, Iowa. A funeral mass was held at 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, March 22, 2006 in Red Oak at St. Mary's Catholic Church, located at 1510 Highland Avenue starting at 10:30 am. Mr. Simpson was buried at the Evergreen Cemetery.

Mr. Simpson had an incredible list of accomplishments during his long career. He
served SWIBA as district president from 1957-1958 and again from 1965-1966.
He is one of only three band directors from Southwest Iowa to have served
the IBA as president, doing so in 1968-1969. He was a charter member of the
ASBDA, and the walls of the Red Oak band room are covered with plaques that
chronicle his band's division I performances at large group contest while at Red Oak Community Schools from 1945 until 1979. After retirement, he continued to clinic
bands even through last year, 2005. Each year, one Red Oak student from both the vocal and instrumental departments of Red Oak High School is presented the Richard H. Simpson Outstanding Senior Musician award in his honor. He really left a
legacy in Red Oak for many students and in the larger community of band
directors everywhere.