John Dale Simpson

John Dale Simpson, 77 of Buchanan, MI passed away due to surgical complications late Wednesday March 18th, 2026 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Mishawaka, IN.

John was born on September 2, 1948, in Three Oaks, MI to the late Oliver and Rachel (Snyder) Simpson. He is the last remaining child out of 17 siblings. John married Deborah Kay Cochran on May 22, 1969, in Niles, MI.  They divorced after a while but remained great friends until Deborah passed away in 2010.   John is survived by his children; Ann (Troy) Lyons of Buchanan, MI and Brian (Shannan) Simpson of Niles, MI. His grandkids; Tiffany (Tim) Keyser of Buchanan, MI, Ricky (Leondra) Ritchie of Buchanan, MI and Krystal Ritchie of Buchanan, MI.  He also had seven great-grandchildren; Serenity, Lily, Brilee, Ariel, Westen, Eli, and Dylan.

John was a proud member of the United States Marine Corp and served in Vietnam. After his service he made a career as a cabinet builder in the RV industry.  He was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and hardly ever missed watching or listening to a game. John loved going to poker nights with his buddies and spending time with his fellow veterans at the American Legion! He also was an avid car collector, always searching for the next new ride. He loved spending time with his grandkids and spoiling them rotten, he never told them no.

Funeral services for John will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at Palmer Funeral Home – Hoven Chapel, 414 E. Front St. Buchanan. Military graveside services and burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Buchanan. Friends may visit with the family from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25 at the funeral home and again on Thursday, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in John’s honor to the Buchanan American Legion post 51, 403 E. Front St. Buchanan, MI 49107.

Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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