John W. Springer

John W. Springer passed away July 7, 2021. He graced this earth for 97 1/2 years and will be in Grace for eternity with his Savior Jesus Christ. John was born April 2, 1924 to Frank and Emma Springer in Lawrence County, Tenn., the youngest boy of seven children. Preceded in death by his parents; wife of 64 years, Opal; his brothers, Aaron, Carroll and Dick, and sisters, Ermatrude and Lurlene as well as infant grandson, Aaron Moneypenny. He is survived by his sister, Lucile Locke; daughters, Barbara (Richard) Moneypenny and Karen Barnes; grandchildren, Adam (Jenn) Moneypenny, Avery (Gracie) Springer, Luke (Regina) Moneypenny, Bethany (Matt) Wlotzko and Trudy Barnes; great-grandchildren, Aidan and Kellen Moneypenny, Maura and Maddie Springer, Harrison and Eleanor Moneypenny and Blakely Wlotzko. John was a proud veteran of WW II, serving as a radioman for forward observer in Europe with the 272nd Field Artillery Battalion, and loved his memory of how he "crossed over the channel with Patton's 3rd Army"! John married his sweetheart, Opal, and moved to Akron where he owned and operated Springer's Barbershop on E. Exchange St. from 1950 until 2015, when at age 90 he was run over by a truck injuring his hands forcing him to retire. Receiving a commendation from the City of Akron, he was dubbed the "Mayor of East Exchange" in a front page news article. John was a valued member of Calvary Baptist Church for 74 years serving in many capacities: treasurer, trustee, choir, men's quartet, Sunday school superintendent and teacher, and 'candy-passer-outer' to little ones. Music, golf and children were huge loves. A Past Worshipful Master of Adoniram-Joppa Masonic Lodge 517, he achieved his 32nd Degree and belonged to The Valley of Akron Scottish Rite, Akron-Coventry Masonic Lodge 83 and the VFW Post 3383. Calling hours will be Tuesday, July 13, 2021 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Eckard Baldwin Funeral Home and Chapel, 760 E. Market St. with a Masonic service at 6:30 p.m. Calling hours will also be at the funeral home on Wednesday, July 14, from 10 to 11 a.m. with the funeral service at 11 a.m., conducted by Pastor Aaron Furman. John will be laid to rest at Northlawn Memorial Gardens with Military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 820 White Pond Dr., Akron, Ohio 44321. Please share your thoughts and condolences by visiting his Tribute Wall at www.eckardbaldwin.com