Paul James Springsdorf's Obituary
Mr. Paul James Springsdorf, age 75, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, March 02, 2017. He displayed heart, humor and bravery throughout his 10 year battle with lymphoma, which was caused by exposure to Agent Orange. Paul was born in Muskegon, Michigan on June 11, 1941 to Raymond and Florence (Jensen) Springsdorf. After his graduation from Muskegon High School, Paul enlisted in the United States Air Force, retiring after 24 years as First Sergeant. Throughout his career, he was stationed in the Philippines, California, Taiwan, Florida, Germany and Texas; as well as two tours of duty in Vietnam. He continued his career as an independent contractor with McDonnell Douglas for the Royal Saudi Air Force in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia for 10 years. After returning to Muskegon, Paul worked as a guard with the Michigan Department of Corrections for 8 years. Paul was a member of the Don Rea VFW Post #8846 and had served as the last president of the Western Michigan Air Force Sergeants Association. He also spent five years volunteering as a driver for the American Red Cross. Paul is survived by his daughter, Paula (Marty) Johnston; three grandchildren, Sean (Alexis White) Johnston, Nathan Johnston and Dustin Johnston; three step-children, Heather (Brad) Craker, Todd (Amanda) Wiley and Megan (Brian) Brown; 12 step-grandchildren, Morgan and Olivia Craker, Jonathan, Kendal, Ryder and Roan Wiley, Gavin, Ayden, Mason, Bella Ann, Kensington and Emma Lynn Brown and two former wives, Hazel Springsdorf and Joyce Wiley. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Sally McDiarmid. A CELEBRATION OF HIS LIFE will be 11:00 AM Saturday, March 11, 2017 at The Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey St., 231-798-1100 with Pastor Tom Stone officiating. VISITATION will be one hour prior to his service. Military honors will be performed under the auspices of the United States Air Force and the Don Rea VFW Post #8846 honor guard. MEMORIALS in Paul’s memory may be directed to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Interment will be in Fort Custer National Cemetery.
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