Robert Spangler Obituary.

A while back, I mentioned the passing of an old friend, World War II Navy veteran, Robert Spangler. Yesterday, I received more information from his daughter, Kristine, including his obituary, which I have shared below.

“Robert Kent Spangler, age 91, peacefully passed away in his home in Waikoloa, HI on October 12, 2011, previously of Baltimore, MD.

“He was born in Albion, IN on April 8, 1920 to Martin Henry Spangler and Myrtle Elizabeth Blue. He graduated from Albion High School in Albion, IN, and received a business degree from Indiana University. After attending the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY. He enlisted in the Navy and served as a lieutenant (jg) on board the USS James O’ Hara in World War II. Upon returning from war, he met and married Theresa M. Beaulieu, of Lawrence, MA, in Washington D.C.

“He was retired as a Senior Staff Assistant for ExxonMobil in Baltimore, MD, where he also worked as a volunteer for Hospice, Meals on Wheels and as a tutor. He was deeply religious, serving as an elder of Second Presbyterian Church of Baltimore.

“He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Theresa M. Spangler, his children, Robert K. Spangler of St. Johns, IN and his wife Jane, Kristine M. Harrison of Waikoloa, HI and her husband Bruce, and Donald Craig Spangler of Keauu, HI and his wife Diane. His grandchildren, Stephanie Kristine, Alex Spangler, Nicholas, Matthew and Sarah Spangler.

“He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin Henry Spangler and Myrtle Elizabeth Blue who christened the ship, USS Spangler, his brothers, Lt. Donald Spangler and Walter Blue Spangler, his sisters, Virginia Morrell, Mary Katherine Spangler and numerous nieces and nephews.

“He was a quiet, kind father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was deeply religious, and loved going to church. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, loved reading books and listening to audio books. He had a keen interest in American History, especially the Civil War and WWII era. He also enjoyed driving on vacation, taking time to stop at points of historical interest. He was a regular viewer of PBS for news, Masterpiece Theatre and many science and nature programs. He definitely enjoyed his daily dose of the Nightly Business News, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune and sports. His knowledge and memory of history, and his life, were incredible, and so was he.”

One Response to “Robert Spangler Obituary”

  1. Jeff Spangler says:

    Dear Michael:

    I have really enjoyed your book Everytown, USA (sorry, I can’t italicize or underline your title).

    I believe you may want to make a slight correction in my uncle’s obituary above. In the paragraph describing relatives who preceded him in death, the last sentence containing the words, “and numerous nieces and nephews” probably needs to be attached following his grandchildren who survived him. I am only aware of one niece (my sister) and one nephew (my cousin) of Uncle Bob’s (on the Spangler side of the family) who preceded him in death.

    Regards,

    Jeff Spangler
    Peachtree City, Georgia

Leave a Reply

Search this Site

Purchase the Books

Blog

Privacy Policy