David Breckenridge Springer, Renaissance man
David Breckenridge Springer died Friday, May 19, 2017. He was born in Garwin, Iowa. March 5, 1930, to Fred and Bess (Ferguson) Springer. He was predeceased by his brothers Keith, George and Charles.
David received a bachelor of science degree from Iowa State University with a degree in organic chemistry, a master's degree from the University of Iowa in organic chemistry, and a master of business administration from Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pa.
David was a corporal in the U.S. Army during the Korean War where he served on the front lines. He was employed as a chemical patent examiner with the U.S. Patent Office in Crystal City, Va., for over 20 years, and also worked in private industry in New York and New Jersey.
David is survived by the love of his life, Joan, to whom he was married for over 50 years.
He and Joan met in Philadelphia, dated for three years, and married, uniting their two families with four children between them: Susan Springer (Danville, Va.), Thomas Springer (Ocean View); Kathi Springer (Falls Church, Va.); and Sandy Springer-Glancy (Douglas) (Portland, Ore). His only grandchild, Julia Rose Glancy, resides in Eugene, Ore., and is a sophomore attending the University of Oregon.
David and Joan retired to Ocean View in 1998.
David was a Renaissance man, who was writing a book about the Etruscan Dice. He was interested in many things, including Shakespeare, history, politics, Abraham Lincoln, geology and astronomy. He enjoyed cultivating lilies, listening to classical music, collecting antiques, and watching the birds in his beautiful yard with his wife. His church and family were vital to him.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Delaware Veterans Home, 100 Delaware Veterans Blvd., Milford, DE 19963,
The Celebration of Life will be held at Mariner’s Bethel United Methodist Church, 81 Central Ave., Ocean View, Saturday, May 27. Visitation will be at 2 p.m., followed by the service at 3 p.m.
Online condolences may be sent online at melsonfuneralservices.com.
