HOWARD B. SPRINGER, age 90 years, of Darlington, Maryland died on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at Harford Memorial Hospital in Havre de Grace, Maryland. He was the husband of Margaret "Susie" (Orr) Springer, and they shared thirty-five years of marriage.

Mr. Springer was born on August 27, 1917 in Wilmington, Delaware; a son of the late Howard C. and Florence (Carpenter) Springer. He and his family moved to Harford County, Maryland when he was two years old. Mr. Springer graduated from Havre de Grace High School and received his college degree from Goldie Beacom in Wilmington, Delaware. He and his wife have lived in Darlington for the past thirty-five years.

Mr. Springer was a United States Army veteran of WWII serving in the Asiatic Pacific Theater. After the war, he began his career as a firefighter and rose thru the ranks to become the Fire Chief at the Bainbridge Naval Training Center and then for the Edgewood Arsenal. He became President of the Maryland State Fireman's Association in 1958 and traveled over the state of Maryland giving speeches, dedicating fire houses and attending banquets to represent the State of Maryland's Fire Service. During this time, he also was an active volunteer firefighter with the Darlington Volunteer Fire Company and upon his retirement, awarded the "lifetime member" honor.

Mr. Springer worked as a safety officer for Harford Memorial Hospital in addition to working as a safety coordinator and consultant for Brevins, Citizens Care Center and Calvert Nursing Home.

He was honored by Governor Tawes with the Distinguished Citizen Award for Fire Prevention and Protection for the State of Maryland. He was the first chairman of the Governor's Fire Prevention Conference where he presided for the next nine years. He also served on the Maryland Safety Council for hospitals and nursing homes.

Mr. Springer was a member of the Dublin United Methodist Church for more than twenty-five years. He was a Cub Scout Leader and Scout Master for Pack #301 in addition to serving as a Little League Baseball coach. He was a fifty year member of the Susquehanna Lodge #130 A.F.&A.M. in Havre de Grace, Maryland.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by:

Two children-

Sharon E. Mills of Havre de Grace, Maryland

Glenn W. Springer and his wife, Diane of New Windsor, Maryland

Six grandchildren-

Candice R. Steever and her fiancé, Matthew Lyons of North East, Maryland

Regina C. Overbay and her husband, Larry of Port Deposit, Maryland

Christopher N. Mills and his wife, Courtney of Conowingo, Maryland

Travis S. Mills and his wife, Jennifer of Morehead City, North Carolina

Shane A. Springer of Forest Hill, Maryland

Abbie E. Springer of New Windsor, Maryland

Three great grandchildren

Tristan Steever of North East, Maryland

Madison Overbay of Port Deposit, Maryland

Jacob Lyons of North East, Maryland

A sister, Ann Lohsen of Glen Arm, Maryland

He was preceded in death by three children, Howard Springer, Shirley Springer and Jeanne Springer and five siblings.

Visitations will be held on Friday, February 22, 2008 at Harkins Funeral Home, 600 Main Street, Delta, Pennsylvania from 2 to 4 and from 7 to 9 PM.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2008 at 11 AM at Dublin United Methodist Church, 1528 Whiteford Road, Street, MD 21154. His minister, Pastor James Johnson will officiate.

Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the church at the above address or the Darlington Volunteer Fire Company, PO Box 178, Darlington, Maryland 21034.

Pallbearers will be David Day, Christopher Mills, Travis Mills, Ernest McElwain, Adam McElwain and Shane Springer.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Donald Horton, William Knight, Ernest Henry, Mark Harkins and Bill Day.