Carl William Donica, Jr.Carl William Donica, Jr, 69, was born August 11, 1944 and passed away on July 26, 2014 in Springfield, Mo. Carl was the son of Carl William Donica, Sr. and Fernita Francis Donica (Davis) and grew up in Springfield, Mo. He graduated from Parkview High School in May of 1962 and immediately went to work with the St. Louis San Francisco Railroad (Frisco).He attended University of Illinois in Carbondale for a little over a year and then returned to the railroad. Shortly thereafter Carl took leave from Frisco and spent 4 years active duty with the Navy from January 1964 to January 1968. Most of that time he was a Navy Corpsman (field medical officer) with the U.S. Marines. His service time was spent in Vietnam where he contracted malaria and was wounded twice.His military medals include: Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Vietnam) with Fleet Marine Force Combat Operation Insignia, Purple Heart Medal, Wounded in Action on 30 March 1966 while on patrol in the vicinity of Danang, Republic of Vietnam, Navy Commendation medal with combat distinguishing device, National defense medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal with three campaign stars.Carl returned to Frisco after his active duty and retired in August of 2004. During his years at Frisco, it was bought by Burlington Northern railroad and then later joined with Santa Fe Railroad to become Burlington Northern/Santa Fe (BNSF). While working for the railroad he was a Carman/Inspector and Leadman. He also worked many years on the emergency wrecking crew. During his time with the railroad he was Local Chairman of the Carmen’s Labor Union for more than 10 years.In 1973 Carl went into the Navy Reserve and again was placed with U.S. Marines for the next 16 years until his military retirement in 1989. Carl married Judy Ann Eshelman in August of 1964. They were divorced in April of 2003. They had two children, Jill Ann Crawford, born July 12, 1965 (while Carl was in Vietnam) and Carl William (Bill) Donica III, born November 5, 1969.He spent most of his life in Springfield, MO and also lived in Oakland, CA and Branson, Mo., ~ not to mention the places while in the service.After retirement Carl partnered with Linda Fairweather and enjoyed spending time with their kids, great grandkids, and his great grandson Donovon that his granddaughter Sarah Crawford graciously gave them the pleasure of spending time with. Carl and Linda also enjoyed traveling and visiting family and friends, near and far.He was preceded in his death by his parents Carl and Francis Donica.Carl is survived by his life partner Linda Fairweather, and her 3 children and 7 grandchildren, his brother, David Donica, of Mount Shasta, Ca., his sister, Mary (Donica) Moore, of Nixa, Mo., his two children, Jill (Donica) Crawford and Bill Donica, his granddaughter, Sarah, his grandson William, and his great grandson Donovon, all of Springfield, Mo.To all of us who knew him, Carl was the kindest and most generous person we have ever met. His humility and outward simplicity concealed someone who was wiser than the rest of us about what was really important in life. His infectious laugh, positive outlook and zest for life are just some of his many gifts we will always carry with us. We are forever grateful to have had him in our lives.In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project, ~ http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate.aspxA Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2014, 11:30am at Greenlawn South Funeral Home, 441 W Battlefield Rd, Springfield, Mo. A full military service will be held at 1:00pm at The Missouri State Veterans Cemetery located in Springfield, Mo. at 5201 South Southwood Road.