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Clarke & Staples Funeral Homes, Inc.
    Tuesday, March 13 2018
    Reverend Harold Eugene Springer

    Posted by: Clarke and Staples Funeral Homes, Inc. AT 09:04 pm   |  Permalink   |  5 Comments  |  Email
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    The Reverend Harold Eugene Springer was born on August 20, 1920, the first born child to Clarence and Edith Springer, near Lima, Ohio. He was a much loved brother of  Wanda (Carl) Kohrn (who preceded him in death). Upon graduation from Goshen Township  High School, New Hampshire, Ohio, Harold planned to become a teacher. However, in his  mid-teens, he decided to surrender his life to Christ. In due time he felt the call to pastoral ministry. Harold earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Taylor University, Upland, Indiana; a Bachelor of Divinity from Hanna Divinity School, Springfield, Ohio (now integrated with Trinity Seminary at Capital University, Columbus, Ohio); and a Master’s of Science in the field of Hospital Administration, at Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois. Rev. springer married Kathryn (Kitty) L. smith, the daughter of the late Reverend Oliver P. and Nellie Smith. Rev. Smith was the pastor of the New Hampshire Methodist Church. Harold and Kathryn were married in August 1941. Harold servced churches in the North Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. He also served churches at Catawba- Nation Chapel and East Liberty-Zanesfield in the West-Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church. In 1949, Rev. Springer was invited to work in the field of hospital administration. This work continued for nearly 40 years in executive positions in Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin and California. He was the Business Manager and associate Professor in Business Administration at Alaska Methodist University, (now Alaska Pacific University) Anchorage, Alaska. He also served as Professor of Economics , Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois and Professor of Hospital Management at the University of California, Turlock, California. Further, Harold served as Business Manager of the 2400 patient Peoria State Hospital, Peoria (1958-65); CEO of Edgerton Community Hospital, Edgerton, Wisconsin (1975-83); CEO of Emanuel Medical Center, Turlock, California (1968-75); and CEO of Swedish Covenant Hospital, Chicago, Illinois (1975-83). Harold  was a devoted Christian of noble character and integrity. He was respected by his students and employees. He invested much time and effort in being a friend and deeply knowing all of his employees. Harold and Kathryn retired in 1983 to South Hill, Virginia. Whereupon, Harold became the minister of the Providence-Trinity United Methodist Church Charge. Harold is the author of  four books relating to the Springer family history, as well as numerous articles for hospital journals. He was interested in his genealogy, which he researched, leaving his findings and writings to  his family. Harold’s wife, Kathryn (Kitty), preceded him in death in, 2011, after 70 years of marriage. He is survived by two sons: Paul (Susan) of Kenbridge, VA; and Robert (Kimberly) of Victoria, VA; and a very special daughter, Nancy Lambert of Punta Gorda, Florida. He is further survived by 7 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two nephews: Carl Melvin (Karen) Kohrn, Lima, Ohio; and Michael (Patricia) Kohrn, Mesa, Arizona. Further, surviving is a niece Marilyn (Jim) Thacker of Bethel, Ohio.  The Springer family would like to thank the nurses and employees of Heritage Hall, Blackstone, VA, and Hospice of Virginia for their loving care of Harold. Your attentive care of our father is appreciated, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. The graveside Service of Celebration of the Resurrection will be held on Friday, March 16 at 11:00 A.M. at the Lakeview Cemetery, Victoria, VA: Rev. Josh Munnikhuysen Officiating. Clarke Funeral Home, Kenbridge, VA. is managing the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the Victoria United Methodist Church, 1906 Lee Street, Victoria, Va. 23974 , or the Lunenburg County Ministries, 207 S. Broad St. Kenbridge, VA. 23944. Peace be to Harold’s memory. Online condolences may be made at www.clarkefh.com

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      Staples Funeral Home
      P.O. Box 96
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          Kenbridge, Virginia 23944   
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