Wilbur "Bill" F. Springer

Cortland- Wilbur "Bill" F. Springer, age 88, of Cortland, died on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at Summa Akron City Hospital surrounded by his family.

He was born on July 2, 1927, in Warren, the son of the late Levi B. and Mina Arline Downs Springer.

Bill was a 1945 graduate of Cortland High School, a member of the Cortland Christian Church and had served as a Maritime Marine during WWII.

He worked in the accounting department at Niles Republic Steel for 13 years before carving out a 35 year career as a licensed insurance agent and manager for Prudential Insurance Co. After retiring from Prudential, Bill worked in customer service for Greenwood Chevy for 6 years. He also owned and operated Springer's Flower Shop in Cortland for 10 years with his wife, Rhea. After retiring, Bill and Rhea relocated to Florida where they spent 14 years making fond memories.

As a young man, Bill was a competitive athlete having lettered all four years of high school in basketball, baseball and track. As a stand-out baseball player, he was invited to play for several professional teams, but he was called to serve his country. For his athletic accomplishments, Bill was inducted into the Lakeview Sports Hall of Fame in 2007. He enjoyed flying and obtained his pilot license at an early age. He also enjoyed boating and spending time outdoors. Mostly he enjoyed spending time with his family who affectionately referred to him as "Pappy". Bill and Rhea were extremely involved with their children's, grandchildren's and great grandchildren's activities and enjoyed watching them compete as well.

Bill was committed to his community and served on many committees and various organizations throughout his life. He was instrumental in establishing the Lakeview football program and building the Lakeview Don Richards Memorial Stadium. He served as past president of the Cortland Lions Club, Cortland Area Chamber of Commerce, Cortland Jr. Chamber of Commerce and the Trumbull County Insurance Agents. Of all his accomplishments, he was most proud of his family. His wife of 67 years, Rhea Jean Wilson Springer, whom he married on June 8, 1947, preceded him in death on September 1, 2014.

He will be greatly missed by his two daughters, Kathy (Sam) Penn of Cortland and Lynda (Gerry) Kane of Fowler; two sons, Darrel (Dona) Springer of Cortland and Bill (Michele) Springer of Cortland; nine grandchildren, Owen Penn, Matt (Kelli) Penn, Darren (Cassie) Kane, Jarrod (Heather) Kane, Adam (Beth) Kane, Aubrey Springer, Chad Springer, Travis Springer and Ashley Springer and by his ten great-grandchildren, Trevor, Jeremy, Haiden, Avery and Allie Penn, Morgan, Alexa, Brennon, Sidney and Ethan Kane.

Bill was preceded in death by his two sisters, Winifred Custer and Frances Chapin.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 25, 2016, from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Lane Family Funeral Homes, Shafer-Winans Funeral Chapel in Cortland.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at the Cortland Christian Church with Rev. Donald Barnes officiating.

Bill will be laid to rest beside his wife Rhea at Hillside Cemetery in Cortland.

Donations can be made in his memory to the Cortland Christian Church, 153 Grove Dr., Cortland, OH 44410.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Woods-Rettig Funeral Home in Leetonia.

Family and friends may view this obituary and send condolences at www.familycareservices.com