Bandstand Flag Notice: September 2024
Donald McSparenJanuary 9, 1949 – August 1, 2024
The United States Navy – retired 1973-1996
Weapons Specialist E-6
Donald Lester McSparen was born in Ottumwa, Iowa. After studying at Ottumwa Schools, he studied truck driving at Greer Technical Institute in Braidwood, Illinois. He worked as a truck driver until 1973 when he enlisted in the Navy. His basic training was in San Diego. While in the Navy, he served on the U.S.S. America, the U.S.S. Dwight D. Eisenhower, and the U.S.S. Carl Vinson. He traveled around the world eight times on the three carriers and was assigned to the V.F.A. Attack Squadron, the “Warhawks.” While serving at Kirkland Air Force Base in 1977, he met the love of his life, Mary Ellen McGregor. They married September 1, 1978, in Albuquerque, NM. Donald’s career in the Navy required many moves; they resided in Berlin, NM; Alameda, CA; Lemoore, CA; Norfolk, VA; and Adak, Alaska; and numerous other locations. Due to a service-related injury, Don was granted leave in 1993, and the family moved to Oskaloosa. He officially retired from the Navy on October 8, 1997.
Don was a member of the American Legion, the V.F.W., the D.A.V., and the Fleet Reserve Association.
Contact Shawn Langkamp at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory at 641-672-2181 or www.langkampfuneralchapel.com on the Contact-Us-Link if you are interested in honoring a deceased veteran with the flag above the bandstand.