COSHOCTON, Ohio - Robert Eugene Simpson, founder of MFM Building Products of Coshocton, died on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 in Coshocton, Ohio. He was 86.
Following military service during World War II as an aviator pilot with the United States Navy, Mr. Simpson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in English Literature from the University of Illinois. In 1961, he started a business in Houston, Texas, which was moved to Coshocton, Ohio in 1965. The business today is known as MFM Building Products. The company specializes in waterproofing membranes and weather barriers for residential and commercial structures. Mr. Simpson was an innovator in the industry, receiving several patents for products used in building waterproofing. He remained active in the business until shortly before his death.
Mr. Simpson greatly appreciated the contribution that the Coshocton community made to the success of his business and he gave back to the community however he could. He served on several charitable boards in Coshocton and in 2003, he established the Simpson Family Foundation to promote the value, and improve the quality of education in and around Coshocton County. He was also instrumental in the creation of the Coshocton Campus of the Central Ohio Technical College. Additionally, he donated generously to the University of Illinois.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Juanita (Klemick) Simpson; and three sons, who all active in the day-to-day operations of MFM Building Products. They include Robert, President; John, Vice President of Manufacturing; and Wesley, Vice President of Finance.
