Donald Keith Spring passed away on Thursday, April 21st, 2016, surrounded by those who loved him, from complications of cancer. Donald lived a remarkable life. Born on July 22, 1929, in Sabetha, Kansas, to Glenn Wesley Spring and Dorothy Wilson Spring, he was preceded in death by both of his parents and his younger brother, Richard Spring. His loving wife, Beverly, survives; last December, Donald and Beverly celebrated 59 years of marriage. Daughters are Janet Schmidt of Overland Park and Carol Spring of Lawrence. Donald was the proud grandfather of Phil Schmidt of Chicago, Stephanie Schmidt Hein of Lawrence, Kayla Thawnghmung of Independence, Missouri, and Steven Thawnghmung of Lawrence.
Donald grew up in St. John, Kansas, where he played every sport he could: football, basketball, and track. Donald enjoyed growing up in a small community where neighbors all knew one another and opportunities to participate in the life of his high school abounded. His first job was at the small Dillon’s Market in St. John. He enjoyed playing the saxophone and was a proud member of the school band from seventh grade through his senior year. Family members noticed that model airplanes were drawn all over his band music; apparently Don was obsessed with machines of all kinds, leading to his choice of vocation.
Donald attended Kansas State University graduating in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Following his college days, Don served in the Army from 1952 through 1954 at Ft. Bliss, Texas. First Lieutenant Donald Spring related many adventures to his family in his later years, some humorous and some serious. He coached the all-Cajun volleyball team, winning a regional championship. He also participated in the testing of the atomic bomb in the Nevada desert. Although dangerous work, he always stated that he felt in serving his country in this manner, many others are safer today because of what was learned there.
Donald worked as a mechanical engineer for Cardwell Manufacturing Company of Wichita and then the Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing Company in Topeka. Upon his retirement, he worked part-time for Greenbrier Real Estate, earning a reputation for personal integrity and excellence in customer service. Then he retired for good to enjoy being a grandpa. Don’s grandchildren were truly his pride and joy.
A lifelong American Baptist, Donald, Beverly, and their daughters attended First Baptist Church of Topeka. Don enjoyed music of all kinds and sang in his church choir for thirty years. He also sang with the Topeka Barbershop Chorus and spent many summer evenings listening to the Topeka Jazz Workshop or Marshall’s Band concerts. When Don and Beverly moved to Lawrence in 2013, they joined First Baptist Church of Lawrence.
Faith and music were central to Don’s life.
A memorial celebration of his life will be held at 10 am on Saturday, May 21st at First Baptist Church, 1330 Kasold Drive. Memorial contributions may be made to the church in the name of Donald Spring in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana, Lawrence KS 66044.
