Colorado Springs, CO—March 4, 2024—Christian publisher, author, and editor Donald (Don) Howard Simpson entered his Lord’s presence on February 7, 2024. Cofounder of Helmers & Howard Press, Simpson spent the majority of his career with NavPress and in broader roles with The Navigators, a disciplemaking ministry headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
“I met Don well after his tenure at NavPress,” recalls David Zimmerman, NavPress publisher. “I so appreciated the sense of clarity he had about the mission of Christian publishing. He demonstrated the sort of leadership that sees beyond his individual contribution to the full possibility of the work—and extends graciousness to others in pursuit of that possibility.”
Simpson was involved with many of the quintessential projects of the nearly fifty-year history of NavPress. He joined the staff in 1978 and went on to help launch and lead the groundbreaking Discipleship Journal while also editing groundbreaking books on discipleship and disciplemaking, including contributions from Jerry Bridges and the bestselling A Praying Life by Paul E. Miller.
Dallas Willard entrusted Simpson with Revolution of Character, an adaptation of one of his most seminal works, which was “composed entirely by Don Simpson and”—as Willard wrote in the foreword—“expresses our shared understanding” of Renovation of the Heart in a “more accessible and more useful” form.
Former colleagues reflected on their time working with Simpson. “Don helped brand and position the types of Bible studies, books, and magazines NavPress became known for,” recalls NavPress founding publisher Dan Rich. “He was a deep thinker spiritually—he loved the Lord, and he loved Scripture. He could always be counted on to give sound advice to the NavPress team and the authors NavPress published.”
Kendra Venable, advancement operations manager at The Navigators, remembers Simpson as “a gentle soul. Don loved people so well—all people! His kindness, compassion, and genuine interest in others was something I admired and was personally blessed by.” And Delbert Tuxhorn, longtime accountant at The Navigators, notes that “it would be hard to find a more humble or skilled editor.”
“Don’s fingerprints and depth of commitment are all over NavPress’s back catalog,” notes senior editor Caitlyn Carlson, who came to NavPress after Simpson’s departure. “He has modeled for us a way to cultivate and curate robust, thoughtful books that make sure discipleship and disciplemaking aren’t just ideas but actions that change lives.”
Don Simpson was the beloved husband of Becky, father of Abe (Darci) and Mara, and grandfather of Eleora. He is survived by one brother, Dick Simpson of Silver Spring, Maryland. Don was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Barry, and two unborn grandchildren. “It was his profound grasp of God’s love that rose above all of his attributes,” recalls Alan Andrews, former US director for The Navigators. “Don knew God in his head, but most of all he knew God’s personal loving presence in his heart.”
NavPress is a business ministry of The Navigators. With a rich catalog of bestselling books, discipleship resources, and The Message® Bible, NavPress supports readers as they know Christ, make Him known, and help others do the same.®
Since 2014 NavPress has been in a publishing alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, one of the largest independently owned Christian publishers in the world. NavPress resources are sold, distributed, and marketed worldwide through Tyndale House Publishers.
Contact: David Zimmerman, david.zimmerman@navpress.com
