Steven Bruce Springer

MANSFIELD -- Steven Bruce Springer passed away Friday, Jan. 21, 2011.

Memorial service: 11 a.m. Wednesday at Bean-Massey-Burge Funeral Home in Grand Prairie. Inurnment: Will be held later with full military honors in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Texas Oncology - Baylor Irving Cancer Center, 2001 N. MacArthur, Suite 120, Irving, Texas 75061.

Steven was born Friday, Nov. 12, 1943, to Bruce and Nina Mulbarger Springer in Lima, Ohio. His favorite motto was "Cowboy Up," but he rode into the sunset and went to cowboy heaven Jan. 21, 2011, also on a Friday, after a tough battle with pancreatic cancer, since July.

Steven joined the Navy right out of high school and served from 1961 to 1964 as a sonar tech aboard the USS Edwards. He always talked about how much he loved his country and was honored to have served. With his electrical experience he later worked as a repair tech on radios and TVs for a company in Ohio. He then went to work for Highland Superstores and became one of its top managers for over 20 years. He was transferred to Texas to open up a store and stayed with it until it closed in the early 1990s.

He then found employment with Dillard's offices in Fort Worth and was the service manager and warehouse delivery manager for almost 20 years.

He was married to Sue Summers, who preceded him in death in 1992, also of cancer. He married his current wife, J. Ann, also his best friend, in August 1993, and they lived in Mansfield on six acres, raising and showing their beautiful Appaloosa horses. They spent 18 wonderful, loving years together.

Steven never had any children of his own, but when he married J. Ann, he became the proud father of Heath, Daniel, DeAnn and Trey! They always called him "Pops," and he later became a proud Grand-Pop to his beautiful grandchildren, Logan Anne, Billy IV, Jacob, Benny, Chloe and Grayson.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bruce Springer, and his mother, Nina Mulbarger Springer.

He never knew a stranger and was very special to all who entered his life. He always brought laughter and treated everyone with respect. He will surely be missed by hundreds. He was just that kind of cowboy who was one of the "good guys."

Survivors: His wife, Judy Ann Springer; stepchildren and grandchildren previously listed; stepsisters, Sandy Gresham of California and Betty Chahalis of Kentucky; half brother, Jimmy Mohn of North Carolina; uncle, Tom Springer of Ohio; and several aunts and cousins, all of Ohio. He also leaves behind numerous close friends and loved ones.

Bean-Massey-Burge Funeral Home

Grand Prairie, 972-263-7200

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www.star-telegram.com/obituaries

Arrangements under the direction of Bean-Massey-Burge Funeral Home, Grand Prairie, TX.