Robert W. Springer

WapakonetaRobert W. Springer 95, died at 10:05 a.m. Feb. 25, 2012, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys.He was born Sept. 29, 1916, in St. Marys, to Clarence W. and Kathryn Makley Springer, who preceded him in death. On Nov. 23, 1940, he married Roma M. Walters, who died Nov. 4, 1995.Mr. Springer was an Army veteran of World War II and the Korean War, where he specialized in logistics. He worked in the railroad business for several years, retiring as a manager in 1976 from Norfolk & Southern Railroad Co. His was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8445, Wapakoneta, and American Legion Post 323, St. Marys. He had been a member of Fraternal Order of the Eagles Aerie 691, Wapakoneta. Between his two military stints and his career in the railroad business, he played music in a popular area band, The Rhapsodiers, which thrived in the west central Ohio ballroom scene of the post WWII era.Survivors include, his companion, Evelyn Hanson, of Wapakoneta; two daughters, Dr. Roberta Loewy, of Sacramento, Calif., and Rebecca (John) Seals, of Wapakoneta; five grandchildren, Tom Loewy, Dave (Amy) Loewy, Jamie (Jarrod) Broadman, Kelly (Darrell) Nagel and Julie (Greg) Mescher; seven great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Sarah Loewy, Amanda, Justin and Sarah Stewart, Vita Mescher and Jacie Nagel.He was preceded in death by a son, Ronald Springer; a son-in-law, Dr. Erich Loewy; two brothers, Paul and Charles “Bus” Springer; and two sisters, Mary Magdalene Terry and Gertrude “Babe” Springer.A celebration of a life will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday at American Legion Post 330, Wapakoneta.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the VA Medical Center, Dayton.Condolences may be expressed at bayliffandeleyfh.com.Arrangements are being by Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home, Wapakoneta.