Donald M Spain Sr.

USAF MSgt. (Ret.) Donald M. Spain, Sr., age 86 of Fairborn passed away peacefully June 15, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family.  He was born December 18, 1936 in Sidney, Nebraska, the son of the late Thomas and Lois (Emel) Spain.  Donald began his career at Fairchild AFB, Washington and then went to Goose Bay AFB, Labrodor, where he met his wife Gertrude, he then transferred to Mather AFB, CA, and then on to Detroit, MI.  While in Detroit, he was sent to DaNang Air Base, Vietnam from there he was stationed at WPAFB for two years, then was moved to Elmendorf, AK for three years, from there he finished out his active-duty career at WPAFB working for AFOG/MMS orientation group from which he retired in 1976. Donald was very proud of his Military and Civilian Careers, retiring after 40 years of combined federal service. Donald also started Triple S cleaning company with his children.  Donald went back to college after retiring active duty, while raising a family and working two jobs to obtain his bachelor’s degree from Urbana University.

Donald Married Gertude M. “Cookie” Spain in Jan 1962. They were happily married for 55 years. Donald attended Victory Church and Fairborn City Church, where he was a church leader and Sunday school teacher.  He enjoyed woodworking, traveling, and attending all his grandchildren’s events.  Donald was able to attend the Honor Flight to Washington D.C., which he was very proud of.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a his wife, Gertrude M. “Cookie”; daughter, Wanda; granddaughter, Janelle Spain; brother, William; and sister Rosalind Phenneger.; Donald is survived by his four children, Donald Spain Jr., Charles (Betsy) Spain, Roger (Cheryl) Spain, Margaret Spain; twelve grandchildren, Charity Spain, Hope Spain, Joyelle Spain, Charles Spain II, Courtnie Spain, Chad (Jamie) Spain, Aaron Spain, Daniel Spain, Graham Spain, Allyson (Ronnie) Johnson, Abigayle (Eric) Maier, Ayden Locke; ten great-grandchildren; brother, Thomas Spain; as well as extended family and friends.  A visitation will be held on Monday June 19, 2023 from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. at Fairborn City Church, 206 W. Dayton-Yellow Springs Rd., Fairborn, where a visitation will be held on Tuesday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at 11:00 A.M., Pastors Tim Walden, Derek Trenum and Walter Norris, Jr. officiating.  Donald will be buried with military honors next to his beloved wife at Byron Cemetery.