Obituary: Spangler, Thomas L.
He was born on a cold winter morning in February 1936 in Carlton, Michigan to Earl and Ethel Spangler.
The family moved to Dearborn, Michigan in late 1937 where they lived until they moved to Bonners Ferry, Idaho in 1945.
They then landed in Potlatch, Idaho and settled in Viola, Idaho where he went to the one room country school house.
He finished up his schooling as a sophomore in Moscow before going to work for PFI.
He married Margaret Price in September 1954 and they briefly lived in Potlatch, but later made their home in Viola where they raised four children and have lived the last 52 years.
Tom served his community in a variety of roles; in the Army, Latah County Sherriff Reserve Deputy, Latah County Commissioner, school bus driver and Latah County Search and Rescue.
After his retirement from public service in 1999, he spent the rest of his days running a small custom saw mill where he did custom cutting of lumber; built toys, trains, jewelry boxes and a variety of other beautiful items.
He also mentored many young people in the Viola area in his sawmill.
He is survived by his loving wife Maggie, their four children, Jeffrey (Evonn), Russell (KO), Monica, Leslie (Dale), 15 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren (with another on the way).
He is also survived by three siblings Virginia Veltcamp, Jack and Jim.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Ethel Spangler; two brothers: Earl Jr. and Don; his grandson David Spratling and his son-in-law Craig Burleson.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2015, 11:00 A.M. at the Real Life Moscow Campus in Eastside Marketplace 1428 S. Blaine St. Moscow, ID.
with Rev.
Charlie Couch officiating.
Military honors conducted by the United States Army Honor Guard and Potlatch Post # 10300 V.F.W.
at the church.
In lieu of flowers, Tom requested donations be made to the Veteran’s Memorial Flag Fund for the Viola Community Clubhouse or the Viola Community Clubhouse.
Send donations to PO Box 34, Viola, Idaho, 83872.
KRAMER FUNERAL HOME, Palouse, WA