Dr. Raymond "Bud" Simpson
Dr. Raymond R. "Bud" Simpson lived on the tennis courts and died on them on June 12, 1982.
From his boyhood, he enjoyed the game and helped teach others of all ages to learn the finer arts of tennis.
He was a good tennis player and a formidable opponent.
Yet, he spent many hours hitting with kids who were beginning their appreciation of the game.
He was a selfless sportsman who had a positive approach whether in victory or defeat.
- Stephen A. Cousley
Dr. Robert Simpson
Dr. Robert Simpson's legacy for the Alton Regional tennis community is to teach others the game, promote spirited competition, and keep tennis facilities well maintained.
He died January 6, 2004 at age 50.
For many years, he and legions of younger players were inspired by his father "Bud" Simpson and other devoted legendary players: Chet Milford, Walter Brink, Chuck Godfrey, Terry Durham, Bob Walters, Gene Ursprung, Roger Schleper, Larry Gerber and Jim Milford.
He was encouraged and mentored from the time he could hold a racquet.
His peers, including Jack Groppel and Rick Johnson, went from high school to college competition.
Then they played local tournaments when Alton was the "hotspot" in the St. Louis Region.
The Bud Simpson Open prize money tournament, under Robert's chairmanship, drew top high school, collegiate and tourney players.
He also coached the men's tennis team at Lewis and Clark Community College.
He served as chairman of the Tennis Committee of Alton Park and Recreation Commission for planning, development and construction of the Dr. Raymond R. Simpson Tennis Center at Gordon F. Moore Park.
Robert was on the board of the St. Louis District Tennis Assn.
He was the liaison to the USTA, leading to bringing to Alton-Godfrey the USTA Futures Tournament, centered at Lewis and Clark Community College.
The Futures tourney is played at the Andy Simpson Tennis Center - named for Robert's mother, Antigone.
- Stephen A. Cousley
A Message From Antigone "Andy" Simpson
I've been in love with tennis since I fell in love with an avid tennis player, Bud Simpson, when I was 16.
Tennis was always a part of our life.
Tennis brought our family many happy and exciting times and one deeply sad one.
On June 12, 1982, Bud died suddenly while going for a service return in a tournament at Rock Springs courts.
The Bud Simpson Open Tournament is also in memory of our dear son, Robert.
He was a kind, thoughtful, loving person who I miss so much.
He will always be in my heart.
I want to think that Robert and Bud are together and ejoying playing tennis just as they had enjoyed playing together for so many years.
How fortunate I was to have had two such dear men in my life.
Thanks to all of you for keeping their memory alive.
- Andy (Antigone) Simpson
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