Провел 24 года в расследовании авиакатастроф: в Вест-Вирджинии похоронят ветерана ВВС и сотрудника НАТСБ Бёртона Саймона

Burton “Burt” Howard Simon was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on June 8, 1948, to Betty J. and Burton D. Simon. He spent his childhood and formative years in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he particularly enjoyed the outdoors and graduated from Rufus King High School. He was active in Boy Scouting as a youth and attained the rank of Eagle Scout and Vigil in the Order of the Arrow. In adulthood, he served as a Scoutmaster in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia and as a staff member for the National Jamboree. Burt honorably served his country in the United States Air Force for four years. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant as an intelligence analyst in support of operations in Vietnam, along the Iron Curtain in Europe, and with the National Security Agency. Following military service, he served his community for fifteen years as a police officer, police sergeant, criminal investigator, and academy instructor for the police departments of the City of Laurel, Maryland and Prince George’s County, Maryland. He retired from federal service in 2008 after twenty-four years as a Senior Accident Investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board in Washington, D.C., where he investigated major aviation, highway, railroad, marine, and pipeline accidents as a human factors specialist. Burt was always pleased that his work contributed to the prevention of accidents, the creation of state and federal safety laws, and the saving of many lives. Burt married Cornelia Overduin Simon in 1977. They were married for 47 years and raised two sons, Matthew and Brett. Burt was incredibly proud of his family, especially Cari’s devotion to teaching and Matt and Brett’s service to their country and communities. Burt was a member of Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church and attended Independent Bible Church in Martinsburg, WV. Over his lifetime, Burt enjoyed traveling, RVing and serving as a member of the American Legion Riders, Berkeley Post 14. In retirement, he particularly enjoyed participating in the American Legion Legacy Ride to raise funds for scholarships for children of military service members killed in action. Burt is survived by his children, Matt and Brett, daughters-in-law, Ashley and Zoe, and grandchildren Charles, Macey, and Bekooij, as well his sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Steven Lund of Kenosha, Wisconsin and nieces Elizabeth and Susan. A graveside service will be held at the West Virginia National Cemetery, 42 Veterans Memorial Lane, Grafton, WV 26354 on August 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. All are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, please donate “In memory of Burton H. Simon” to The USO, 2111 Wilson Boulevard #1200, Arlington, VA 22201 or to the American Legion Legacy Fund, 700 N. Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Arrangements are entrusted to Brown Funeral Home. Online condolences may be offered through Brown Funeral Home.