Richard (Rick) Thomas Simpson, of Greenwood, Indiana, passed away on the evening of Saturday, August 8, 2026, at the age of 69, following a hard-fought battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. True to who he was, Rick was a fighter until the very end.

Rick was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Louis and Nada (Houser) Simpson. He graduated from Southport High School in 1975, where he proudly served as Class President and was an All-State athlete in both football and baseball. He went on to attend Ball State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. While at Ball State, Rick was president of his fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He also played football for one semester at Hanover College.

After graduating from Ball State, Rick followed in the footsteps of his father, Louis, who was a sign maker. That influence led Rick to pursue a career in the sign business, eventually building and owning SABCO Sign for more than 40 years. SABCO was more than a business to Rick, it was a place where he worked alongside his older brother, Mark, and employed countless family members and friends, willingly (and unwillingly – mostly just his children). He took great pride in his work, but perhaps even more pride in the people he shared it with.

Rick was deeply committed to his community. He served on the board of the Keenan-Stahl Boys & Girls Club for more than 25 years, a cause that was close to his heart. He was also a longtime member of the Sertoma Club and loved being involved with the people and organizations that made his community stronger.

But those who knew Rick best will remember him for so much more than his career and community involvement. Rick loved to have fun. He had a zest for life and an ability to find enjoyment just about anywhere. He loved to bet on the ponies, and, honestly, just about anything else that gave him an excuse to make a wager. He loved seafood, microbrew beer, and a great piece of coconut cake. He loved the Doobie Brothers, the Indianapolis Colts, the Indiana Hoosiers, the Cincinnati Reds, and later in life became a devoted Dodgers fan.

Rick never missed the Indianapolis 500. Every year, he looked forward to going to the race with his great group of friends, and those days together became some of his most cherished memories.

Rick also loved to travel. Later in his career, he was fortunate enough to have a job that took him to some pretty incredible places, including Oregon, Idaho, Texas, Colorado, and many others. He was also fortunate to have had the time to enjoy some of these locations with his girlfriend, Jenny Gunn, who he was so thrilled to reconnect with later in life. He loved the beach, loved being at a lake, and especially loved to fish. Wherever he went, he seemed to find something to enjoy and a story to bring home.

Disney held a special place in Rick’s heart, especially because it gave him an opportunity to make memories with the people he loved most. He loved taking his children and grandson to the resorts, and he never considered himself too old to ride every ride. He was always ready for the next adventure and was often having just as much fun as the kids.

Rick had an especially big heart for his dogs and pets, who were beloved members of his and his family’s lives over the years: Swabby, Snickers, Bogey, Stubby, Cody, Waylon, and Sue. His love for them was simply another reflection of the loyalty, affection, and joy he brought to the people and animals around him.

Above all else, Rick loved his family and friends. He is survived by his children, Lauren (Hank) Ward, Evan Simpson, and Emily Simpson; his grandson, William Ward; his siblings, Shirl (Randy) Smith, Pam Beadle, Randy Simpson, and Laura (Keith) Simpson-Turner; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Nada Simpson, and his brother, Mark Simpson.

Rick was an amazing father to his three children, Lauren, Evan, and Emily. He was not only their father, but their best friend, coach, biggest cheerleader, and so much more. Rick loved surprising his kids with fun vacations and adventures and was always looking for the next opportunity to make a memory. He was a big kid at heart, and he created a childhood and a life for his children that he could have never dreamed of when he was a child himself. Making his kids happy was one of his greatest joys, and he never stopped finding ways to make life fun for them. Later in life, Rick loved visiting his grandson, Will, in California, where he cherished watching him play baseball, spending time with him at the beach, and simply being part of his life. He also loved his son-in-law, Hank, deeply, and was grateful for the bond they shared. To Rick, family was everything, and the time he spent with the people he loved most was the greatest gift of all.

Rick leaves behind a lifetime of memories filled with family, friends, laughter, travel, sports, dogs, races, beaches, lakes, good food, good music, and plenty of fun. He lived life on his own terms, worked hard, loved fiercely, and never seemed to run out of things to look forward to.

A visitation for Rick will be held on:

Date: Friday, August 14th, 2026

Time: 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m.

Location: Forest Lawn Funeral Home

1977 S State Rd 135, Greenwood, IN 46143

Immediately following the service, there will be a celebration of life hosted by his children (lunch and beers on Rick!) at Taxman Brewing Company: 13 S Baldwin St, Bargersville, IN 46106. All are invited and encouraged to attend as we celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Keenan-Stahl Boys & Girls Club in Rick’s honor. The organization was a meaningful part of Rick’s life for many years, and the family feels that supporting its mission is a fitting way to carry forward his legacy of giving back to his community.

Rick will be deeply missed, but the best way to remember him is to smile, tell a good story, take the trip, cheer loudly for your team, enjoy a great meal, place a little bet, and, most importantly, have some fun. That’s the way Rick would have wanted it.