Donald Springer

WAYNESBORO, Ga.- Donald Wayne Don Springer, 79, died Wednesday, June 20, 2012 with his loving and devoted wife by his side. He was born in Spur, TX on January 3, 1933 to Velma Bolin and William Ben Springer. From an early age, Don knew what he wanted to be when he grew up remembers Nina, a Marine. During WWII, the family moved to San Pedro, CA when he was around ten years old where his father worked in the shipyards. He had two half-brothers, Forest and Dee (both deceased), a brother, Benny (Bakersfield, CA), and a sister, Edna Earl (deceased). Their father was taken from them at a young age and Don knew right away what must be done. He joined the Marine Corp at 17 years young- we're thinking his mom may have helped a bit. All dressed in his Marine Corp Blues he caught the attention of Willadene Savage during one Sunday in church. They married November 3, 1954 and were blessed with three children: Gregg Springer (Atlanta, GA), Kathy Patrick married to Pat Patrick (Jackson, MI), and Lisa Frady (deceased). Early 1956, Don had already served a tour in Korea and two tours in Vietnam (1964/65). Don's accomplishments during his 21 years in the service were many: Meritorious Mast, Good Conduct Medal, Navy Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal with star, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, Pistol Expert Badge, and a Korean Conflict Medal. Willadene was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1973. The family moved to Oklahoma where she died in 1976 at age 46. He moved to OKC, OK the following January to be close to the kids in college and start a new chapter in his life. Valentine's Day was just around the corner and what a perfect way to meet his wife! Unfortunately it involved a date that he brought to a church party. Don and Nina Maxine Englund spent the entire evening talking. They dated for just 7 days when he popped the question Nina can you cook? She replied, no, so he asked her to marry him. They married on May 21, 1977, and he adopted her two children, Diane (Scottsdale, AZ) and Doug married to Lori (Waynesboro). They spent the next 31 years in the OKC area actively involved in the Oakcrest Church of Christ. Doug and Lori's children needed their storytelling Pot so to Waynesboro they came! He has been blessed with 9 grandchildren: Sarah Heiniger married to Dave Heiniger (Elk Grove Village, IL), Stephanie Springer (Clearwater, FL), Brianne Anderson (Calabasas, CA), Darwin Frady (OKC, OK), Nikki Frady (OKC), Emma, Dougie, Luke, and Lily Springer (Waynesboro). Great grandchildren include: Kamron Martin, Daeton Carson, Gabriella Moffitt, and Jack and Calvin Heiniger (Elk Grove Village, IL). He was an active member of the Waynesboro First Baptist Church, Waynesboro American Legion Post #120, and frequent storyteller to Nina's daycare babies. His interests were sports, daily bible reading, sports, reading Rick Warren's book 40 Days of Purpose at least 20 times, and sports. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 23, 2012 at 3:00 pm at the First Baptist Church located at 853 North Liberty Street, Waynesboro. Dr. G. Al Wright, Jr. will officiate. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the American Legion Post #120. Donations may be sent in lieu of flowers to the Center for New Beginnings, PO Box 1066, Waynesboro, GA 30830. You may sign the family's personal guestbook at www.deloachfuneralhomes. com.