David Lynn Spangler

David Lynn Spangler, 82, of Fairview, Kansas, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, August 28, 2025.

David was born on May 30, 1943, the youngest of four sons of Lloyd and Velma (Chaffee) Spangler of rural Fairview. David graduated from Fairview High School in 1961 and from Pittsburg State University in 1965. In 1973, David married Carol Jean Keim. One son, Shane, was born to this union.

David loved teaching, whether it was in a classroom, a church, on a motorboat, or while coaching sports. He found joy in helping others to learn. Over the years, he taught in the public-school systems in Fairview, Hiawatha, Kansas, El Dorado Springs, Missouri, Hollister, Missouri, and Doniphan West (Midway). David was also a singer-songwriter who toured with a country band in the early 1970s.

David farmed with his in-laws during the 1970s and 80s, and later worked in various tourist attractions in the Branson, Missouri, area during the 1980s and 90s. Most recently, he served in the activities department at Maple Heights Nursing Home in Hiawatha from 2014 until one month before his death.

David was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, John Spangler; his sister-in-law, Jane Spangler; and his nephew, Kirby Spangler.

David is survived by his wife, Carol; his son, Shane; his brothers, Lee (Janet) Spangler of Phoenix, Arizona, and Wayne Spangler of Scottsdale, Arizona; his sister-in-law, Linda Spangler of Everest, Kansas; his brother-in-law, John (Joann) Keim of Fairview; his nieces and nephews; and his many friends and former students.

A committed Christian and student of the Bible, David was a lifelong member of the Fairview United Church of Christ. Following his recent diagnosis of late-stage cancer, “A Living Years - Celebration of Life Pancake Feed” was held on August 9, 2025, at the Fairview Community Center, where David was able to greet family and friends. During the event, the Fairview Fire Department raised funds to purchase a new “Jaws of Life” for the department.

David’s family is deeply grateful to the Fairview Fire Department, Brown County EMS, the medical communities in Hiawatha, Sabetha, and Kansas City, the Nemaha County Home Health and Hospice, and family, friends, and neighbors for giving David “15 Bonus Years” after a near-fatal accident on August 25, 2010.

David’s family is also grateful for the many prayers, acts of kindness, and support offered during David’s most recent illness. David’s final message to friends and family, “I don’t want a funeral. I got to say goodbye to people at the pancake feed. Instead of a funeral, I’d like people to get together with loved ones and put away their phones, and really talk to each other. Don’t let your loved ones die, and you realize you never knew them.” In his Bible, David had underlined John 14:27 to share. In that verse, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Memorial contributions are suggested to the Fairview Fire Department, PO Box 132, Fairview, Kansas 66425. The Popkess Mortuary in Sabetha, Kansas, is assisting the family with arrangements.