Emory E Spangler

Emory Erie Spangler, 92, a long-time resident of Kermit, Texas passed away Friday May 25th, 2007
in Abilene at Wesley Court Nursing Center. Mr. Spangler was born in Dewey, OK on Jun 17, 1914. He graduated from high school in Coleman, Texas, and in December 1936, he married his high school sweetheart, Helen Thomson.

Emory and his new bride moved out west to Kermit to begin their life together. Emory became an independent insurance agent for Southwestern Life. He served on the election board for the incorporation of the City of Kermit. He worked tirelessly in both Lion’s Club and the Kermit Chamber of Commerce, serving as president in both organizations. Daughter Sylvia was born in 1941 and son Eddie was born in 1944. Emory went into Service in 1945 and served almost a year in Japan. After returning from the war, he and his family became charter members of the First United Methodist Church of Kermit. They lost their darling daughter Sylvia from injuries received in an automobile accident in 1959. Daughter Victoria was born in 1960. In 1966, Eddie married Sue Ann Moore of Kermit; they had two sons: Eric, born in 1970 and Max, born in 1973. In 1986, Emory and Helen celebrated 50 years of marriage with a trip to Jamaica. In 1994, their son Eddie died suddenly of a heart attack while on a hunting trip in his beloved Colorado.

Emory and Helen lived in Kermit until 2004 when they moved to Wesley Court in Abilene in order to be closer to their daughter Victoria. This past December, they rejoiced together upon 70 years of marriage. In Emory’s own words: “I have always considered Kermit my home, and I am proud of the part that I had in helping to make Kermit a fine town and a nice place to rear a family. And I had a lot of help from my wonderful wife Helen!”

Mr. Spangler is survived by his cherished, adoring wife Helen of Abilene, daughter Victoria also of Abilene, sister ClaraBelle McMillan of Lubbock, brother Jack Spangler of Colorado, grandsons Eric Spangler of Kermit and Max Spangler of Dallas, and granddaughter Jia Spangler of Abilene. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar Spangler and Dorothy Goldsberry Spangler; brother, Joe Spangler; daughter, Sylvia Spangler; and son, Eddie Spangler.

Emory’s lively personality, artistic abilities, and sense of style will long be remembered by Kermit residents and all who knew him.

Services will be held Tuesday May 29th, 2007 at 1:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church of Kermit under the direction of Piersall-Benton Funeral Directors. Burial will follow in the Kermit Cemetery. Donations may be made in honor of Emory to a favorite charity or to the FUMC of Kermit. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com. A memorial service will be scheduled in Abilene at a later date.