Helen Gail Thomson Spangler

Helen Gail Thomson Spangler, 96, a long-time resident of Kermit, Texas passed away on
March 24, 2012 in Abilene at Wesley Court Nursing Center. Mrs. Spangler was born in Coleman on March 3, 1916. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry Thomson and Jesse Melton Thomson; brother, Melton Thomson; sister, Sarah Thomson McCrum Davis; daughter, Sylvia Spangler; son, Eddie Spangler; and beloved husband, Emory Erie Spangler.

Mrs. Spangler graduated from high school in Coleman, Texas, and attended both Texas Women’s University and John Tarleton Agricultural College. In December 1936, she married her high school sweetheart, Emory Spangler. They moved out west to Kermit and began their life together. Emory became an independent insurance agent and Helen was homemaker. Daughter Sylvia was born in 1941 and son Edward was born in 1944. The Spangler family became charter members of the First United Methodist Church of Kermit and were active, loyal members in the Kermit community. They lost their darling daughter Sylvia from injuries received in an automobile accident in 1959. Daughter Victoria was born in 1960. Edward married Sue Ann Moore of Kermit in 1966; 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 dear 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. Emory passed away in May of 2007, five months after their 70th wedding anniversary.

Mrs. Spangler is survived by her daughter Victoria also of Abilene, grandsons Eric Spangler of Kermit and Max Spangler of Kermit, granddaughters Jia and Jade Spangler of Abilene, and great-grandchildren Ryan and Rylee Spangler of Kermit.

Helen’s grace, generous nature, quiet support, and steadfast love for her family and cherished husband will long be remembered by Kermit residents and all who knew her.

A memorial service is scheduled for 4:00 pm Friday, April 13, 2012 in the Atrium at Wesley Court, 2617 Antilley Road, Abilene. A second service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday April 14th at the First United Methodist Church in Kermit with a brief reception following.

Arrangements were handled by Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut St. Gifts may be made to Wesley Court, the First United Methodist Church of Kermit, or a favorite charity. Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.