On July 23, 2021, Col (Ret) Donald A. Spooner, loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away at the age of 77 after battling pancreatic cancer. Don was born in Shenandoah, Iowa on October 30, 1943 to Benjamin and Lillian Spooner (both deceased) and was the second of three brothers. He spent many years enjoying farm life with his grandparents , where he quickly learned the value of hard work and its rewards with 4 AM wakeup calls and milking cows. Colonel Spooner's military career took him around the world and spanned from April 24, 1967 during Vietnam to his retirement on December 31, 1993, in support of Operation Desert Shield. For his acts of heroism and extraordinary achievement during aerial flight, Colonel Spooner was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross as well as seventeen Air Medals, each awarded for different acts of heroism while on aerial missions. During his career he was privileged to be an F-4 and F-15 fighter pilot and was a flight training instructor, where he flew the T-38 supersonic Talon. In addition Don was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, two Air Force Commendation Medals, the Distinguished Presidential Unit Citation, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor, two Air Force Organizational Excellence Awards, two National Defense Service Medals, the Vietnam Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters, three Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbons, six Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbons, the Air Force Training Ribbon, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Device and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. His final assignments brought him to the Pentagon, where he worked alongside some of the brightest scientists in the world. It was here that he found Joyce and they built a life together in the DC area. The area provided a rich environment for Don to explore his passions further, especially his love of history. He enjoyed sharing his vast knowledge in this subject, along with government, the economy, and politics, with anyone who would listen. Road trips often meant stopping at historical markers along the way and learning about the events of the past that had taken place there. Equally important to him was living an active life - running, walking, hiking and especially cycling! He was always on the move and his adventures took him around the world – exploring Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and all 50 states of the USA. Don continuously sought out opportunities to further his own education too, receiving master’s degrees from Ball State, the University of Arkansas, and Marymount University where he studied international relations, counseling and education. He also graduated from the Army War College. These accomplishments all contributed to his desire for public service, and upon retirement from the military, Don went on to teach social studies, history, and government to high school students for 18 years in Fairfax County Public Schools. He made a huge difference for his students and his colleagues. Even after a long and distinguished career in public service, his most favorite role was that of “Papa” to his four grandchildren. He was a loving grandfather and the best kind of role model. This became the devotion of his life, and he spent every opportunity to be a part of their everyday lives. They were regulars at Starbucks during Papa’s daily visits. And he never missed the chance to support their accomplishments and cheer them on. He was so proud of each and every one of them! Everything he did in his career prepared him for this ultimate role of teaching and guiding his most precious students – Papa’s Posse. Don is survived by Joyce, his wife of over 30 years, and a legacy of three accomplished children, Nathan, Samantha, and Christopher (Lori) and four wonderful grandchildren Carter, Brady, Harper, and Addison. He has family and many friends around the world and is admired and respected by everyone who knew him. Visitation will be July 31st at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home, 9902 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA from 1- 4 PM and 6- 8 PM, with a memorial service on Sunday, August 1, at 10 AM. Burial will be at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. Please consider donations in his memory to the Fisher House Foundation or the Wounded Warrior Project.