Ronald Steven Springer

1947 - 2011

BORN

1947

DIED

2011

About

University of Texas

Ronald Springer Obituary

Ronald Steven Springer, 64, passed away Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011, at a local hospital. Service: 2 p.m. Thursday at Arborlawn United Methodist Church in Fort Worth, with Chaplains David Barrett and Harold Elliott officiating. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of North Texas. Ron was born April 17, 1947, in Tampa, Fla., to Walter and Mable Springer. The family settled in Arlington in 1961. He graduated from Arlington High School in 1965, attended Tarrant County College then went on to obtain his bachelor's of science degree in criminal justice from the University of Texas at Arlington. Ron began his career with the city of Arlington in 1966 as a meter reader then moved to the Arlington Police Department before he was old enough to carry a gun. The APD sent him to train at the first-ever held North Texas Regional Police Academy not only for training but to give him time to become proper age. With APD he held many positions before retiring as a patrol sergeant in 2006, after 38 years of service. Retirement didn't last long for him as he became a Tarrant County deputy sheriff in January 2007. As a bailiff in Judge Westfall's court he was excited and looked forward to each day. In October 2008 he was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Ron loved life, his dogs and his family. His strong will to live took him through countless chemo treatments, two bone marrow transplants and many hospitalizations. Pneumonia finally swept him from us. He fought until his last breath. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor and his ability to make light of any situation, even his illness. The family would like to express heartfelt appreciation to the doctors and nurses of UTSW Medical Center for the exceptional care given Ron during this difficult and deadly illness. We would also like to thank each of those on staff who prayed for him relentlessly and now prays for his family. Besides his parents, Ron was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Lauren Mackenzie and Adam Tate. Survivors: His devoted wife, Marilyn Springer of Weatherford; sons, Steven Springer of Arlington and Aden Springer of Columbus, Neb.; daughter, Michelle Selander of Dexter, Ore.; stepdaughters, Teresa Teer of Houston, Patti Teer of Saginaw, and Lisa Lin and husband, Pete, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; grandsons, Shaye Springer of Nebraska and PFC Dustin Aldous of Fort Campbell, Ky.; sister, Jean Blevins-Smith and husband, S.D., of Granbury; sister-in-law, Lori Harris and husband, Gerald, of League City; brother-in-law, Allen Peters of LaPorte; as well as several nephews and a niece. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters of law enforcement.

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Published by Star-Telegram on Nov. 27, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Springer

11 Entries

alex ramsey

March 4, 2023

I cannot believe it's been nearly 12 years now. Ronnie was one of my training officers @ Arlington PD in 1977. From the outset, I recognized his intelligence, his kind ways of training, (no needless macho stuff),-logical ways to deal with matters, (he'd often say-it'll be less paperwork if you take that path.!), but overall, his niceness & incredible sense of humor was contagious. He was one hell of a cop; his humor often overshadowed that. He'd retired just before I did, he to his wife-whom he adored, & his horses. As for me, I went to TCSO/ Sheriff's Office. Shortly after, I developed a sound relationship w/my Chief Deputy, Ms. Amy Ferrell. Ronny called me 1 day inquiring about the work there, in that he wanted more than to tend to his horses. I told him & eventually hooked him up to meet Chief Ferrell. She hired him on the spot-as she did me, & said, "Alex, if you find any more Ronny Springers out there, send 'em to me.!" Eventually I did, @ least 5 more APD Officers that climbed aboard TCSO...Ms. Ferrell hired 'em all; a few still there to this day, but there was only 1 Springer.!! He was so beloved by the other Deputies & the judges, often they'd thanked me for recruiting him.!!! Rarely has the loss of a fellow Officer been so devastating..!! Ronnie, the legendary badge # 080 created such an emptiness @ TCSO for a long time. I will forever be grateful to have been trained by him, & sustained a forever friendship with him. He made rookie cops better; his talent I hope is training angels to be better as well.!! Alex Ramsey badge #427...trained by Ronny Springer badge#080.

Linda Bullard Smith

November 21, 2022

After visiting me one day, you pretended to be afraid of walking through the cemetery to go home. My younger brother walked you home through the cemetery and walked back home by himself. He still remembers that night and laughs about it.

Linda Bullard Smith

December 3, 2011

We had some fun times in our junior and senior years at Arlington High. I remember one day a few years later the Alumni Association was called out to help look for a missing woman. (She was located safe and returned home). You were surrounded by a group of officers. As I passed by, you made some remark and laughed. I popped off and asked if you remembered me from high school. The officers broke up in laughter. You had just told them "If one more person walks up and asked if I remember them, I will quit the APD". You didn't quit then and continued to serve the citizens of Arlington. I will miss you. My prayers and sympathies go out to the family you loved so much.

Chris Williams

December 1, 2011

Ron was a great man to work with ~ and a fun, loving, coworker! I remember him fondly, and will miss him.

cheryl

November 29, 2011

I have always remembered Ronnie as someone concerned with the way others felt and trying to protect you if he could even in school, no wonder he became one of Arlingtons Finest.

November 29, 2011

In the course of a life time, someone comes into your life and memories are made but never forgotten. "Springer" I have never forgotten you. I was told of your illness and was very sadden. May you rest in peace, free from your pain.

Annette Love

November 29, 2011

I meet Ronnie about 15 years ago, he helped me out when it came to my youngest son and we became friends. Ronnie loved he's scratch offs!!! Sgt. Springer was a great officer and friend he will be dearly missed. My prays go out to he's wife and family.

November 28, 2011

I served with Ronnie on the APD over 30 years ago and recall his humor and story telling. It was rare after shift debriefing that he did not have a story to relate about something that happened during the shift. He was a good officer and I enjoyed the years I was on the same shift with him. As I recall he was a fixture on district 312. I'm sure those folks out there are sad to hear of his passing as I and many others are. Ronnie will always be a cop and if there is a 312 in heaven it will now be in good hands. With a deep heart I wish you farewell.
Al Schiegg

November 28, 2011

I worked with Ronnie at APD many long years ago! The thing I most remember about him is his absolute love for laughter. He loved to laugh and he loved to make others laugh. That's how I want to remember him. Mrs. Springer, you and all the family will be in my prayers.
Martha Mabry
Fort Worth Police Dept.

Woody Williams

November 28, 2011

I remember Ron well and with great fondness. We shared an English class--sat next to each other--and became friends. Farewell, Ron, and Godspeed.

Lynne Rodriguez

November 28, 2011

We at TCSO are gonna miss you! You brought laughter to our lives and really good stories too! Prayers to you and your family.

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