Babette Rhinehart Simpson Brandon

May 27, 1922 - February 12, 2024

Babette Rhinehart Simpson Brandon passed away on February 12, 2024. Born May 27, 1922, in her almost 102 years on earth, she lived a life of faith, grace, compassion, hard work, love, kindness and caring for others. She was known for a great sense of humor and love of adventure.

Born in Spring Hill, Kansas, she was the oldest of three daughters born to Edna and Marvin Rhinehart. When she was two, the family moved to Texas and settled in Alamo, starting Babette’s love of all things Texas. Her parents soon owned “Alamo Hardware” where Babette began working at an early age, always surprising the gents that this cute young gal knew everything there was to know about a hardware store! Her hard work at the store, delivering a paper route, combined with caring for her father with WWI induced Parkinson’s disease and excelling in academics and band made for a very wellrounded childhood. She played Timpani drums and was a drum major in both high school and college. Babette was named for her dad’s nurse in France during WWI and people often commented on her name.

In 1939, Babette headed to Texas A&I (Arts & Industries) in Kingsville, Texas. It was there she met the love of her life, Charles Edwin Simpson, AKA “Simp”, a Texas native, which conveniently let them ride share to and from the valley; Babette always had a secret smile when she pointed out their favorite rest stop along the route. Their love story began there and lasted for 54 years until he ascended to God’s glory in 1997. After her graduation, she and Simp were married January 26, 1943.

Babette began a career as the consummate Army Air Corps/Air Force wife, effortlessly supporting Simp’s career as a pilot, routinely moving, raising the kids, volunteering, and performing all the official duties with grace and ease. She was truly “the wind beneath Simp’s wings.”

Babette was blessed with three healthy children. Nanette arrived in 1944, sharing her birthday with Babette and her grandma Edna. Sherry arrived in 1947. Charles (Chuck) completed the family when he arrived in 1950. Babette always said how proud she was of her kids and the positive contributions they made to the world.

Upon Simp’s retirement from the Air Force in 1970, they settled in Windcrest, creating a welcoming home for all. They made the most of life, playing tennis, traveling, hosting gatherings, playing bridge and were long time members of Windcrest United Methodist Church, where she was devoted to the Hand Bell Ministry. Babette welcomed visits at “Simpsons’ Inn” from countless relatives. As she had for her dad, she cared for Simp during his four-year battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

Babette remarried in 2002 to William H. Brandon; she transitioned from the family home to an apartment at the Towers of San Antonio. She remained very active until her late 90s, staying busy with working out, social events, playing bridge, reading, traveling to her kids, and enjoying life. 2024 marked her 22nd year in the Towers living on the 22nd floor which she loved; her favorite spot was her chair by the window overlooking Fort Sam. Her favorite time of day was each morning as she oversaw her domain while she read the paper and had breakfast, her favorite meal of the day. It brings us comfort and we count it as a blessing that Babette was sitting by her window with her juice and coffee, waiting for her breakfast when the Lord called her home peacefully.

Babette was predeceased by Simp and her second husband, William Brandon. Babette was also predeceased by her beloved sister Ver Nell Murphy; her sister Jayne Freeland survives her.

Babette is survived by her three children, Nanette Cousyn (Jack), Sherry Stimpson (Ritchie), and Chuck Simpson (Katie); six grandchildren, Kelly (Cousyn) McCartney (Steve), Christopher Cousyn (Shannon), Timothy Stimpson (Kati), Scott Stimpson (Cristi), Julie (Simpson) Schmidt (Eric), and Caroline (Simpson) Scott (Brian); eight greatgrandchildren, four bonus great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. She is also survived by numerous beloved nephews and nieces who treasured their many visits with Aunt Babette and “Simp”. She also leaves her stepson, William Brandon, Jr.

The family would like to thank the many caregivers from Caring Hearts and the Guiding Light Hospice who provided excellent care and support. She was so thankful for their daily presence and help.

Babette will be laid to rest with Simp on March 4, 2024 at 2 p.m. at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. There will be a graveside service in Shelter 1. Flowers arrangements are limited to what the funeral home will provide due to regulations regarding flowers allowed at the gravesite.