Donald Lester McSparen, son of Donald Raymond and Mary Louise (Anderson) McSparen, was born January 9, 1949, in Ottumwa, Iowa. Following his education 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 in October 8, 1997.
Mary passed away on May 27, 2018. In 2022, Donald married Marie Veto.
Don was a member of the American Legion, the V.F.W., the D.A.V., the Fleet Reserve Association, and the Eagles Lodge. In retirement, he enjoyed coffee with his friends at McDonalds, riding motorcycles, fishing, and taking occasional trips to the casinos.
Don’s family includes his wife, Marie of Oskaloosa; his twin sons, Donnie McSparen of Oskaloosa, and Travis (Stephanie) McSparen of Pella, a daughter, Michelle Hillman of Gardnerville, NV; four grandchildren: Jaden, Bella, and Breezie McSparen, and Mercedes Doty; a sister, Debbie (Jerry) Hedgecock of Noblesville, IN; nephews: Corey McSparen of Des Moines and Scott McSparen of Oskaloosa; and nieces: Amy McSparen Pierce of Ankeny and Monica Roberts of Ottumwa.
In addition to his parents and wife, Mary, of 40 years, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Lisa McSparen Hawk, in 2015; three brothers: Douglas, Dennis, and David; an infant sister, Diana; a son-in-law, Tom Hillman, and a nephew, Douglas McSparen.
Funeral Services for Donald will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at Langkamp Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Jon Nelson of Central Church officiating. Burial will be in Forest Cemetery with Military Honors by the Oskaloosa Honor Guard. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m., Tuesday; the family will greet visitors from 4-6 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to the Oskaloosa Honor Guard.
