Donald E. Spicer, 81, of State College, died Monday, January 2, 2006, at Mt. Nittany Medical Center in State College.
He was born June 11, 1924 in Bellefonte, a son of the late Donald A. and Julia Shaffer Spicer.
On October 10, 1953, he married Mary E. Lucas who preceded him in death on Monday, September 29, 2003.
After graduating from high school, Mr. Spicer served in the U. S. Army during World War II, from August 11, 1942 to Nov. 25, 1945. He served with Headquarters Battery 457, 49th AAA Brigade, in Anti-Air Craft Artillery and the XII Corps, a group credited with penetrating 600 miles into Nazi Germany, and conquering nearly 12,000 square miles of Germany. He earned a Good Conduct Medal, an American Theater Service Medal, a World War II Victory Medal, and a European African Middle Eastern Theater Service Medal with five Bronze Stars. Both units with whom he served were awarded merit commendations for their role in the World War II victory. Following the war, Mr. Spicer re-enlisted on July 20, 1946, with the rank of Staff Sgt., serving with Company C 8th Infantry Regiment Fort Ord. in California, and was promoted to Sergeant Sept. 18, 1947. At the end of that enlistment, on April 22, 1948, he again re-enlisted and served during the Korean Conflict earning the rank of Master Sgt., July 20, 1951. He completed his military service June 2, 1953.
He was employed at Sunday's Exxon in State College for several years and at the SPCA in rural Centre Hall.
Donald was a member of Colyer Brethren in Christ Church and a member of the American Legion Post 779 at Centre Hall.
He especially enjoyed woodworking and gardening.
He is survived by a son David E. Spicer of Schenectady, NY and sons Donald, Gregory and Barry, and two step sons he raised, Dean Hoy of Altoona and Thomas Hoy of Harrisburg; 9 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and 7 step grandchildren. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a son Ronald Spicer, and 4 brothers, James, Robert, Richard Sr. and Thomas William Spicer. He was the last member of his generation.
Friends will be received from Noon to 1:00 p. m. Thursday, January 5, 2005 at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Service P. C., 226 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Centre Hall, PA. The funeral will be at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Darrell L. Smucker officiating. Burial will be at the Pleasant Gap Lutheran Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Colyer Brethren In Christ Church, C/O The Rev Darrell L. Smucker, 301 Brush Valley Road, Spring Mills, or to the Centre Hall - Potter Twp. Food and Fuel Bank, C/O Jean DeMinn Treasurer, 252 Upper Georges Valley Road, Spring Mills, or to the SPCA, 2451 General Potter Highway, Center Hall, PA 16828.
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.