Willard Springer

Willard Louis Springer, 86, of Cape Girardeau died Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023, at Lutheran Home.

He was born July 10, 1937, in Menfro, Missouri, to Louis C. and Isabell A. Mehner Springer.

He was a graduate of Cape Girardeau Central High School.

Willard worked at Florsheim Shoe factory. He was an active Bible studier, liked to take spins around Southeast Missouri and was an avid country music fan.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau.

Survivors include his sister, Geraldine Ackman of Sikeston, Missouri; nephew, Randy Ackman of Sikeston; three grandnephews, Bradley (Amy) Neels and Darren M. (Lindsey) Neels, both of Cape Girardeau, and Trevor (Teagan) Neels of Maryland Heights, Missouri, and their father, Jerry Neels of Reeds Spring, Missouri; and four great-grandnieces and -grandnephews, Reese Neels, Sam Neels, Tarren Neels and Thomas Neels.

Willard was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dale G. Springer; two sisters, Laverne O. (Marvin "Pete") Gockel and Irene Springer; a brother-in-law, Wayland Ackman; and three nieces and nephews, Sondra G. Fitzpatrick, Rickey D. Gockel and Rhonda F. Neels.

Graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20, at Lorimier Cemetery in Cape Girardeau, with the Rev. Mark Boettcher officiating.

Memorial contributions may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church, 100 N. Frederick St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.

Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.