Matthew Steven Simpson

Matthew Steven Simpson, 47, of Hot Springs, a loving husband, devoted father and friend of a multitude passed away April 4, 2013. He was born May 13, 1965 in Bedford, Pa., to Marshall Roy Simpson and Mae Belle (Gaster) Minerich. Matthew was the fire chief of Lake Hamilton Fire Department. He worked for the Arkansas Forestry Commission as the State Fire Wise Coordinator where he was instrumental in the operations of the forestry's local air wing division during emergency operations. He was an instructor at the Arkansas Fire Academy and continued as an adjunct instructor. Matthew was also a master plumber and owned S & M Plumbing. He became a plumbing inspector and a plan reviewer for the Arkansas Department of Health. He loved rebuilding and restoring old tractors and was known to many as "Tractor Matt". Matthew was a compassionate man who was obsessed with helping others. He also was a long time, faithful member of the Methodist faith. Matthew is preceded in death by his mother. Survivors include his father; wife, Suellen Simpson; son, Matthew William Simpson; sisters, Belinda Bagby, Lorrie Hard; grandchildren, Taylor Thompson and Faith Chilldres and grandmother Marguerite Simpson. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home. Service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church of Hot Springs. Memorial donations may be made to the Arkansas Fallen Firefighters Memorial Fund. Guests may register at www.caruth-hale.com.