David Michael Simpson

David Michael Simpson, 35 Mulberry- David Michael Simpson of Mulberry, Florida passed away Thursday June 1, 2017 at his home. He was born July 12, 1981 in Phoenix, Arizona to Kevin Simpson and Marilyn (Simpson) Coburn. After high school, he enlisted in the Air Force and remained active duty for 13 years. He was security forces, until the last seven years, in which he was a K9 handler. His first duty station was Kunsan AFB in South Korea and then he was stationed at Yokota AFB in Japan. He met Erin (Dooley) Simpson in Japan and soon were married. They were stationed next in Iceland at Keflavik Navy Base, where his first daughter Alexandra was born. Next duty station was Las Vegas, when he cross trained into the K9 world and immediately got orders to Spangdahlem AFB, Germany. While in Germany, Erin gave birth to his second daughter, Madison. They traveled extensively throughout Europe and he did many missions with his MWD Robson. They protected Air Force One, the Vice President, the Secretary of Defense, and many others. They deployed to Iraq and went on many missions with various agencies on various missions. Unfortunately, while in Germany, he contracted Lyme Disease and suffered from joint and nerve pain continually, which only got worse with time. He also suffered from PTSD from his time in Iraq. Between the PTSD and Lyme Disease, he also suffered from depression. David Simpson was medically retired from the military in 2012 and relocated to Mulberry, Florida. Erin gave birth to his son, Elijah in the U.S. In 2013 he was able to adopt his MWD Robson, after Robson was retired, and they lived retired life together. After his retirement, he and Robson were heavily involved in the community supporting veterans and military working dog charities benefitting many people. He has a plaque at the War Dog Memorial in Tampa and you may see his picture hanging up in various establishments around Lakeland. David was an amazing man, awesome father and son, and a great husband. Although he battled many things, he will be remembered as an amazing man who would do anything for anybody, anytime a need arose. He is survived by his wife Erin, daughters Alexandra and Madison, and son Elijah. Brothers Brandon and Zachary. Parents Marilyn and Kevin. There will be a service to honor his life on Monday June 12, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary at First United Methodist Church with Rev. David McEntire officiating. Reception immediately following the service at the church and military honors.