Douglas R. Springer

Douglas R. Springer, 78, of Peoria, formerly of Washington, IL, passed away at 9:45 am on Monday, September 2, 2024, at Apostolic Christian Skyline in Peoria.

Services are scheduled for 11 am on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington. Visitation will be from 10 am until his time of service, also at the funeral home.  Burial will be at Glendale Cemetery in Washington. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Limited Prep Endowment, 1501 W. Bradley Ave. Peoria, IL 61625, or the Peoria Animal Shelter

Doug was born on December 7, 1945, in Washington, the son of the late Richard and Esther Stormer Springer. He married Dawn Rockhold on July 23, 1988, in Washington.

His wife and two sisters, Jean K. (Kenneth) Freeburn of Germantown Hills, IL, and Marilyn J. (the late Steve) Chaney of Bloomington, IL, survive.

Doug dedicated his life to the empowerment of young minds through the art of debate and public speaking. As a revered Educator and Debate Coach at New Trier Township High School in Winnetka, IL, Doug's tenure from 1994 to 2008 was marked by his unwavering dedication to his students and colleagues. His influence extended beyond the classroom as he assumed the role of President of the New Trier Township High School Association and served as the Education Association Chair. His leadership in these positions was characterized by his visionary approach and his ability to inspire collective action for the betterment of the educational environment.

Doug's commitment to the art of debate was further exemplified by his prestigious recognition as a Five-Diamond Key Coach by the National Speech and Debate Association. This honor reflects his exceptional coaching skills and the high esteem in which he was held by his peers. His impact on the debate community was profound, shaping the lives of countless students who went on to achieve state and national championships under his mentorship.

In 2009, the National Federation of High Schools acknowledged Doug's excellence in education by awarding him the Outstanding Educator Citation Award State Winner, a testament to his significant contributions to the field. His expertise and dedication were also recognized in 2006 when he received the Barkley Forum Key Coach Award from Emory University, further solidifying his status as a leading speech and debate education figure.

Doug's influence reached the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Speech Advisory Board, where his insights and guidance were instrumental in shaping the future of high school speech programs. His commitment to excellence in communication was also evident in his receipt of the ICTA (formerly ISTA) Edith Marjorie Harrod Award in 2002, an accolade that honored his outstanding service and dedication to teaching communication.

A respected professional member of the National Communication Association and the National Speech and Debate Association, Doug's expertise was sought after not only in coaching but also in the academic community. His scholarly contributions included co-authoring and editing the Basic Debate Textbook, a resource that has been instrumental in introducing the fundamentals of debate to a new generation of students.

Doug's legacy is etched in the numerous awards and accolades he received and in the lives of the students from Pekin High School and New Trier High School, whom he coached to victory. His passion for debate and belief in the transformative power of education has left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

As we mourn the loss of Douglas Springer, we also celebrate his profound impact on the world of education and debate. His memory will continue to inspire future educators and students, and his teachings will live on in the countless individuals whose lives he touched. Doug's unwavering commitment to excellence and dedication to nurturing the potential in every student will remain a guiding light for all who seek to follow in his footsteps.

Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington has been entrusted with his arrangements.  To share a memory or send a condolence to his family, visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com.