Donald Edwin Spayd

Donald Edwin Spayd, 89, of Avon Lake, entered into his heavenly home Wednesday, March 30, 2016 surrounded by family who cherished him at Ames Family Hospice House after a lengthy illness. Don was born September 5, 1926 in Shamokin, PA to Jerome and Dollie (nee Curran) Spayd. He graduated from Shamokin High School where he was allowed to transfer with special help from the football coach. Don served in the US Army during World War II, and was stationed in Japan where he helped guard the Bank of Japan in Tokyo after VJ Day. He and his family moved to Northeast Ohio in the late 40's. He was employed by General Motors and Ford Motor Company. He worked as a pipefitter and retired from Ford after 31 years in 1989. He was a resident of Vermilion for 38 years. After his wife passed away, he moved to Independence Village in Avon Lake with his beloved cats, Daisy and Pumpkin. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Vermilion and the UAW #425. He had previously been a member of the American Legion and the King Solomon Lodge No. 56 Free and Accepted Masons. He was a great conversationalist and was especially known and loved for his sharp wit and gentle nature. He delighted in sharing his life through storytelling and loved to fish. He and his wife also enjoyed wintering in Corpus Christi, TX for 10 years. He is survived by his daughters, Barbara (Jeffrey) Noss of Avon Lake, Donna Spayd of Westlake, and Dolly (Dave) Camp of Lakeland, FL; son, Gregory Spayd of Corpus Christi, TX; 13 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and 10 great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Jean Mae (nee Hummel) Spayd in 2012; sisters Doris Herman and Margaret Schlader; and three infant brothers. The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 3, 2016 from 3-6 pm at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion where the Vermilion Veterans Council will conduct military honors at 6:00 pm. Funeral services will be Monday, April 4, 2016 at 10:00 am at the First Baptist Church, 6716 West River Rd., Vermilion. The Reverend Jerry Anderson will officiate. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Vermilion. The family suggests memorial contributions to First Baptist Church, 6716 West River Rd., Vermilion, OH 44089 or Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.