Final Salute

Robert Cunningham Simpson was born in Houston, Texas to parents Oscar Strother Simpson and Cordelia Simpson. The youngest of four boys, Robert grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma and graduated from Edison High School in 1960. After high school, Robert entered Cornell University where he earned a Bachelor’s of Mechanical Engineering in 1965. Later that same year, Robert entered into the United States Navy Officer Candidate School and went on to serve with distinction as an officer and Seabee in Vietnam. While serving in Morocco, he met Marcella Shea, his future bride and the love of his life. The couple married in 1970 and together raised three sons, Robert Jr., Scott Shea, and Cory Patrick. Robert took his family on many vacations throughout the United States and abroad. The Family enjoyed time in Disney World, Hawaii, and Ireland. An astute business man, Robert assumed the helm of Home Stake Oil and Gas Company and Home Stake Realty Company in 1984. After stewarding the companies for many years through good times and bad, Robert sold Home Stake and began working for The Robert S. and Helen Grey Trippet Foundation. Serving as board member and president for­­­ twenty years, Robert directed millions of dollars in scholarships to students at the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University and North Eastern State University. Robert C. Simpson died peacefully at Clarehouse Hospice on May 10th 2026 at the age of 84. Robert is survived by his wife, Marcella and two sons, Cory (Tulsa) and Robert Jr. (Norman); daughter-in-law Kelli (Norman) and grandchild Ash (Norman). His was preceded in death by his father, Oscar Strother Simpson; his mother Cordelia Simpson; his brothers O. Strother, Jr. (Todd), John, and George; and his beloved son, Scott Shea.

A service will be held at Stanleys Funeral Home in Tulsa Friday (05/29) at 1:30pm.