Joyce L. Thurston Springmier

Joyce L. Springmier, 83, of Greensburg, passed away on April 15, 2017. She was born on June 10, 1933 in Decatur County, the daughter of Ira Lynn and Velma Madeline (McClung) Thurston. Joyce was a 1951 graduate of Greensburg High School and a 1954 graduate of St. Vincent School of Nursing. On March 23, 1959 she married Paul Fredrick Springmier. Joyce proudly served her country for 32 years in the United States Army as an operating room nurse. During her Army career she was stationed at Ft. Sam in Texas, Ft. Lewis in Washington, 121 EVAC in Korea, Ft. Monmouth in New Jersey, Ft. Dix in New Jersey, Ft. Bragg in North Carolina, Ft. Wainwright in Alaska, Ft. Riley in Kansas, Ft. Bliss in Texas, LARMC in Germany, and Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Maryland. As a reserve she was stationed at Ft. Riley in Kansas, Ft. Harrison in Indiana, Camp McCoy in Wisconsin, and Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Colorado. Joyce retired as a Colonel and served during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. She was awarded the: Army Commendation Medal 1971, First Oak Leaf Cluster 1974, Second Oak Leaf Cluster 1983, the Meritorious Service Medal 1977, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon. She was a member of the St. Paul First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), St. Vincent’s Alumnae, Retired Officers Association, Association of the U.S. Army, and the American Legion Post 129. Survivors include: Niece- Melanie (Tom) Minning, Nephew- Scott Smith, Great Nieces- Melana Minning, Meredith Minning, Great Nephews- Trenton Minning and Tom Minning. She was preceded in death by her Parents and sister- Marcie Ann Smith.

A visitation for family and friends will be held at the Gilliland-Howe Funeral Home on Friday, April 21, 2017 from 1:00 pm until 1:45 pm. Graveside services will follow at 2:00 pm at the South Park Cemetery with Full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the St. Paul First Christian Church or to the Donor’s Choice. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.gilliland-howe.com