Walter Lee Simpson, 85, of Littlestown, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on the morning of February 21, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was the devoted and beloved husband of Helen (Leist) Simpson, with whom he shared 65 wonderful years of marriage — a lifetime built on love, loyalty, and unwavering commitment to family.
Born on September 8, 1940, in Taneytown, Maryland, Walt was the son of the late Walter Gaines Simpson and Adelaide Miller (Newkirk) Simpson. He was a proud 1958 graduate of Taneytown High School, where his lifelong love of baseball first took root.
Walt began his working career at Eddie’s Cleaners in 1960, where he dedicated 17 years of service. In 1977, he joined Utz, faithfully serving the company for 37 years before retiring in 2014. He was a proud member of the VFW and the Eagles of Littlestown, as well as the Home Association of McSherrystown, where he enjoyed camaraderie and friendship throughout the years.
Baseball was Walt’s first passion. As a young boy, he found his joy on the pitcher’s mound, a love that carried into adulthood as he played for numerous teams in the South Penn League. He was especially known for his remarkable, Major League–caliber curveball — a pitch that many remembered and few could forget. A lifelong and devoted fan of the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers, Walt rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his team.
Above all else, Walt treasured his family. He was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren and found his greatest happiness in their accomplishments and time spent together. In addition to his loving wife, Helen, he is survived by his sons, Lee Simpson; Scott Simpson and his wife, Karen; and Sam Spangler and his wife, Elaine; and by his daughter, Angie Parham. He was the proud grandfather of Tyler, Alyssa, Amanda, Alex, Sean, Grant, Kelsi, Hannah, and Cole, and great-grandfather of Cassie and Arlo.
In addition to his parents, Walt was preceded in death by his sisters, Gloria Elliot, Jean Grossnickle, and Bobbi Reed.
A celebration of Walt’s life will be held this spring, with details to be announced at www.littlesfh.com.
Those wishing to honor Walt’s memory may do so with a memorial contribution to the Adams County SPCA or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
To share memories and condolences, please visit www.littlesfh.com and sign the guestbook.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Walter, please visit our floral store.
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