Stephen B. Spangler

1939 - 2014

Stephen B. Spangler

Stephen B. Spangler, age 75, of Kent passed on Saturday, June 7, 2014.

He was born in Akron on April 3, 1939 to Albert "A.J." and Catherine L. Spangler, and was a life-long resident of Kent.

He attended St. Patrick School and graduated from Kent Roosevelt High School in 1957 and the Goodyear Training Center School in 1961. He also was a part-time student at Kent State University.

He joined Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. in 1957 as an apprentice machinist and maintenance mechanic and was employed there until 1968 when he resigned to explore a career in law enforcement. During the period 1968-1971 he was employed as an investigator for the Ohio Department of Liquor Control and as a police officer for the City of Kent. Returning to Goodyear in 1971, he remained employed there until his health forced him to retire in 1999.

He was a three year veteran of the U.S. Army serving during the early Viet Nam era as a counterintelligence investigator with the Fifth Army.

Stephen was a lifelong member of St. Patrick church and was very active in the parish while his health permitted. He was a former member of the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Veterans of America.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his older brother, David; and by his beloved son, Scott.

He is survived by his cherished wife for 55 years, Phyllis (McGuigan), whom he loved since high school; also surviving are his beloved children, Matthew D. (Karen) and Stephanie C. (Mark) Ross, both of Akron; and his precious grandchildren, Matthew P. Spangler and Joshua M., Stephen S., and Sarah Jane Ross; and great-grandchildren, Connor Patrick Spangler and Ava Jane Ondack.

In addition, survivors include his former sister-in-law, Sharon A. (Richard) Naturale; and nephews, David A. Spangler and Timothy D. Spangler, all of the North Canton area. Other survivors include a number of cousins, several nieces and nephews and two very special people, Julie A. (Dennis) Ellsworth and Jackie Ondack.

Calling hours will be held 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 11th at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home in Kent. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, June 12th at St. Patrick Church with Father Richard Pentello officiating. Burial will be held at Standing Rock Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick's School Endowment Fund, 127 Portage Street, Kent, OH 44240.

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