Obituary
Donnie Gene Springer, entered Heaven to be with his Savior Jesus Christ at 5:30 p.m., August 31, at his home in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Donnie was born on September 9, 1935, to Stanley & Farol (Hamilton) Springer. Growing up in Celina, Ohio, Donnie began working at a young age having several paper routes, as well as working for the Beyers Roll Skating Rink where he and his sister, Glenda used to dance as a team. They were excellent skaters and were once approached to receive professional instruction. However, Donnie had other plans, which included serving his country in the Air Force for four years. After returning home he married the love of his life, Dorothy Ann (Grossnickle) Springer on October 18, 1959, who survives.
Donnie, was employed for many years by one of the major Ditching Machine Builders of that time, Speicher Bros. in Celina, Ohio. In November of 1980, Donnie and Dorothy moved to New Smyrna Beach, to be closer to their daughter. He worked for a brief time at the Indian River Lodge in New Smyrna Beach, assisting with maintenance. Then January 1982, he started to work for the Space Shuttle Program, at the Cape. While there he worked for various prime contractors, including United Space Boosters, Lockheed Martin, and United Space Alliance, where he was the lead quality control on the Space Shuttle. He enjoyed his work very much and in 1997 Donnie retired from United Space Alliance.
During their retirement, Donnie and Dorothy began traveling. Each summer, they would take their granddaughter, Nicole Messervy with them to see National Parks and Monuments. Donnie planned their vacations and he made sure it was educational for Nicole. The last week of their vacation was always spent with family in Ohio and Indiana. During his spare time, Donnie was also an avid carpenter and enjoyed working with wood.
Donnie was a devout Christian and loved his Savior Jesus. He was also a member of CrossRoads Church in Daytona Beach for nearly 30 years. When the church started the Walk Thru Bethlehem ministry, he made many of the props for this event. Donnie never knew a stranger and he had a way of helping everyone he met.
A memorial service will be held at CrossRoads Church 1851 S. Clyde Morris Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL on September 9th, at 1PM. He will be buried at the Canaveral National cemetery, in Mims Florida. Final arrangements provided by Baldwin Brothers, Funeral Home, Port Orange Fl.
Donnie was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Springer, sister, Pauline (Springer) Stein. Donnie is survived by his sister, Glenda (Springer) Coby, brother-in-law Paul Stein and sister-in-law, Peggy Springer. Donnie is also survived by his wife, Dorothy, daughter, Deborah (Mike) Keesee, granddaughter Nicole Messervy and many nieces and nephews.
Sending our sympathy and care to you in the loss of Donnie. We remember him fondly with his smile and orneriness. May God give you comfort and peace as you celebrate his life. May the hope we have to one day be reunited in heaven sustain you in the days ahead.
With love, Paul & Mary Grandlienard