Kenneth E. Springs

Kenneth E. Springs, 85, of Springfield, IL, passed away peacefully Friday, February 12, 2021 at Memorial Medical Center, in Springfield, IL, with his family by his side.

Ken was born in St Louis, MO on April 11, 1935, to Louis Maynard and Margaret Louise (nee Fricker) Springs, of Highland, IL. In 1953, he married Barbara Ann Schulte of Aviston, IL.

Ken was a devout Catholic, son, husband, father and friend to many.  Following his graduation from St Paul High School he and Barbara began the incredible lifelong adventure of raising 14 children that were their pride and legacy.  After 10 years of taking night classes while working full-time with 11 children at home, he graduated from Southern Illinois University.

As an industrial leader for 53 years, he built work cultures around teamwork, creativity and enthusiasm. He successfully started up several new industrial factories for corporations and created his own businesses in Pennsylvania and Illinois.

It was Ken’s sense of humor and sharp wit followed by his contagious style of laughter that made him so endearing and fun to be around.     His grandmother said “him being an only child is why he cherished having a big family of his own.” After successfully launching their 14 children, Ken and Barbara started traveling to Europe, historical US sites and winters down south on the beach.

Over the course of his 67-year marriage, he and Barbara and their 14 children were joined by 32 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.  Ken made an effort to attend all holiday and celebratory family events making them memorable, entertaining and showing everyone the importance of family.  His large loving family certainly is his greatest gift to the family and the world.

He is survived by his children, Michael (Wendy) Springs, Marsha (Michael) Norris, Karen (Jeff) Hayden, Kevin Springs, Kathy (Doug) Campbell, Keith Springs, Kim Springs, Michele (Pat) Campano, Stacey (Robert) Adams, Kurt (Lisa) Springs, Carolyn (Dan) Baum, Cynthia (Mark) Buchvalt; grandchildren, Jennifer Springs, Kristy (Justin) Stone, Scott (Courtney) Norris, Kelly Norris, Paula (Jason) Coburn, Keri (Mike) Garfield, Erica Kistler, Michael (Mick) Kistler, Kate Campbell, Krista Campbell, Cassandra Fountaine, Stephanie Haske, Matthew Springs, Jamie (Clark) Hayden, Samantha Springs, Chad Martin, Craig Martin, Ashlee Martin, Jeremy Campano, Joshua Campano, Jacob Adams, Jared Adams, Jonathan Adams, Jillian Adams, Aidan Springs, Emerson Springs, Andrew Baum, Alexandria Baum, Logan Buchvalt, Dylan Buchvalt; great-grandchildren, Michael, Alec, Andrew, McKenna, Macie, Colton, Amber, Joshua, Caleb, Allisyn, Corrine, Maggie, Jadyn, Eliza, Julianna, Joseph, Abigail, Jackson, Elizabeth, Connor, Adelynn, Haylee.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Ann Springs; daughters, Cheryl McDonough and Deanna Fountaine; grandsons, Christopher Springs and Jonathan Springs; and daughter-in-law, Fina Springs.

Memorials may be made to Mount Grace Convent of the Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters or St. Paul Education Foundation.

Visitation:  Sunday, February 28, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm and Monday, March 1, 2021 from 9:00 to 10:30 am, at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.

Mass of Christian Burial:  Monday, March 1, 2021, 11:00 am, St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL.

Interment:  St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, at a later date

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL