Robert Roy Simpson, 74, passed away after a short illness on June 8, 2026, in Stillwater, Oklahoma. He was born April 8, 1952, in Stillwater, Oklahoma to Roy L. and Edith Helen (Tinker) Simpson. He was raised from an early age by his aunt and uncle, Eugene and Isabell McCroskey, along with his sister, Linda, brother, Ronald, and two special brothers, Don and Larry McCroskey.

Robert graduated in 1972 from C.E. Donart High School in Stillwater. He went on to attend Oklahoma State University Technology Center, the University of Oklahoma, and Moore Norman Technology Center, graduating in 1981.

Robert was an extraordinary man who lived life entirely on his own terms, refusing to let any obstacle stand in his way. His story is one of strong resilience, from surviving such heartbreak as a child, of surviving a house fire that caused the death of his mother, to facing the challenges of polio at age 4 with an unbreakable spirit of independence.

In 1978, Robert was hired as a groundskeeper at Oklahoma State University. The image of him getting out of his wheelchair and folding it up to crawl under a campus chain captures his determination to do his job. He simply found a way forward, no matter what.

Whether it was hiking to Arizona in his wheelchair, repairing watches, running a service station business or filling a room with music by playing his guitar, he was committed to do things his way.

In 1982, Robert married the love of his life, Sandy, and they made their home together until her passing in 2016.

Robert is survived by his sister, Linda Long (Stan); special brothers, Don McCroskey and Larry McCroskey (Joyce); special niece, Christina Simpson Werelus (Chris); and several other nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; aunt and uncle; and brother, Ronald.

Robert lived with a genuinely kind heart. He touched so many with his quick wit and warmth and he never met a stranger. After such a long, hard-fought journey, there is a quiet peace in knowing he is finally reunited with his beloved Sandy and has no more pain and discomfort.

You will be missed, Robert. Rest in peace. You were such a blessing to us.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00pm on Tuesday, June 16 in Bethany Cemetery.