DONALD LEE SPALDING

Donald Lee Spalding of Thurmont, Maryland passed away on April 20, 2023 at the age of 87

surrounded by his family. He was born February 22, 1936 and was the son of the late Charles

Chester and Helen Gourley Spalding.

Don was the Valedictorian of the Thurmont High School Class of 1954. He attended Mount St.

Mary’s College before being drafted into the US Army. He was employed by the Maryland State

Highway Administration for 37 years and served as the Chief of Highway Maintenance before

retiring. After retiring from the State Highway, Don spent 17 years working for NVR in Thurmont.

Don’s love for his family was evident through his steadfast devotion and support. He was the

embodiment of kindness and had a way of making those he knew feel special. With a gentle

soul and compassionate heart, he gave freely of his time and energy to anyone who needed it.

He had a great sense of humor and was quick with a smile, handshake, and a joke.

He was a faithful member of his church and spent many years teaching Sunday school and

serving as a member of the church council. Don loved baseball and played on teams in

Thurmont and in the Army. He spent many years sharing his passion for baseball and good

sportsmanship as a coach for the Thurmont Little League. He also enjoyed bowling and was an

avid fisherman and master gardener.

Don is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joan Lawyer Spalding, brother Charles Edward

Spalding, sister-in-law Ellen Spalding, sister-in-Law Mary Ellen Bittner (Dick), sister-in-Law

Barbara Briggs (Milton), brother-in-Law Strafford Lawyer II, brother-in-Law David Lawyer

(Robin), daughter Lisa Campbell and husband Todd, son Mark and wife Teri, grandchildren Katy

Campbell, Hayden Spalding, Lydia Spalding and Coleman Wivell, and many cousins, nieces

and nephews whom he loved dearly.

He is predeceased by brother James Spalding, niece Diane Spalding Miller and Randy Miller

(Olivia), brother-in-Law Jan Lawyer, sister-in-Law Candy Lawyer, and sister-in-Law Patti Lawyer.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Frederick Health Hospice and Visiting Angels: Deb

Stull and Tara Stull.

Services will be held on Friday, April 28 at 11 am at the Thurmont Guardian Hose Activities

Building, 123 East Main Street, Thurmont, Maryland 21788.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request donations to be made to:  Frederick Health Hospice 1 Frederick Health Way, Frederick, MD 21701 or Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/projecthealingwatersflyfishing: P.O. Box 695 La Plata, MD 20646.

Arrangements were made by J.L. Davis Funeral Home, Smithsburg, MD, and online condolences can be offered at www.jldavisfh.com.