Donald Richard Syring

Donald Richard Syring, 84 of Waldorf, Maryland, passed away on October 16, 2024. Born in Wausau, Wisconsin, January 6, 1940, the son of Richard and Bertha (Borchardt) Syring, Don grew up in Edgar, Wisconsin. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1958 and married the love of his life Janet Barnes Syring of Emporia, Virginia, on August 25, 1968. After retiring as a First Lieutenant out of Joint Base Andrews on April 1, 1978, Don filled his time with odd jobs from veterinary technician to home improvement. Don loved life. He appreciated each day and always greeted it with joy. An early riser, who for many years enjoyed starting his day with a four mile walk around the neighborhood, amassed a great deal of friends who just knew him as “the friendly man in the hat”. While always quick to smile, he lived by the motto “don’t say, if you can’t take it back”. Don enjoyed being outdoors. He found pride in gifting his neighbors with his beautifully landscaped yard--each flower lovingly watered and each weed carefully pulled. It was often a conversation starter. His main love was his family. Don’s legacy will carry on in his girls, devoted sons-in-law, and grandchildren. His beloved wife was his person, and he adored her until his last breath. He was always the provider and the protector, and even toward the end when his body failed him, he wanted to help. To his core, he was a helper, a doer. If it needed to be done, you could ask Don. He had an uncanny ability to know what you needed before you did and often would just step in and do the thing even before you asked. Don was a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan. He was a talented crafter and builder, and during his heyday, his ceramic tile installation was worthy of praise and highly sought out. He was proud of his country and his military service. He loved animals and children who were enamored with his kind and generous spirit. Uncle Donny was often referred to as many people’s favorite. He had a way to let you know he really cared but also to make you laugh. His wit and humor were unmatched, and if he teased, you knew you were special to him. He had some tried-and-true lines that I’m sure we will laugh about for years. Don enjoyed playing games and the silliness that came with them. He and Janet played Yahtzee every day for many years, and when kids or grandkids were visiting, he pulled out Trouble, Old Maid, and Crazy 8’s. To honor a man who was truly remarkable, please try to approach life as Don would, with a little kindness, a lot of hard-work, and a sense of humor. Don is survived by his dear wife of 56 years, Janet Barnes Syring; two daughters, April (Oscar) Westgaard and Stephanie (Keith) Moody; four grandchildren, Tyler and Ella Moody, Amanda (John) Bavuso, and Ryan Westgaard; and four great grandchildren, Sofia, Jaiden, Avery, and Johnny. He is also survived by sisters, Margaret Ledbetter, Lucille Felzkowski, Ruth Hall, Nancy Thompson, and Mary Ohrmundt; and brother, Leroy (Pat) Syring. Don is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Bertha Syring, as well as his sisters, Wilma Hamann and Hazel Wagner and brothers, Richard Syring and Willis Syring. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Raymond Funeral Service in La Plata, Maryland. Visitation hours will be 5:00-7:00 pm on Thursday, October 24 with a Celebration of Life at 7:00 pm. Don will be laid to rest at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery at 10:30 am on November 7, 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warriors Project.

Donald Richard Syring

January 6, 1940 - October 16, 2024