September 14, 1928 – June 18, 2017
Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away peacefully at age 88 on Father’s Day, June 18, 2017. He died at Providence Mt. St. Vincent surrounded by his loving family and the caring staff that work there. Earl was born in Seattle, WA the only child of Earl and Marie Spangler. Because of his father’s sales job, Earl’s early life was spent between Seattle and California. He attended 19 different grade schools, including a Military Academy.
Earl discovered his love of basketball at Seattle Prep and became good friends with John, “Rocky” Moore. He also met Rocky’s little sister Alice, seven years his junior who eventually became his future bride. Earl continued his basketball career at Seattle University where he starred and set many records from 1946-1950. After graduation, Earl attended St. Edward's Seminary for a few years until he decided the priesthood was not for him. He married Alice Moore on Jan. 23, 1954. Earl was drafted into the Army during the Korean War and fulfilled his role by playing basketball. He and Alice moved to Texas while he served in the army and their first child Mark, was born there.
When they came back to Seattle, they bought their first home in West Seattle. Earl began teaching English at Asa Mercer Jr. High School. After six more children, they grew out of their West Seattle rambler and settled at their Capitol Hill home on 16th E Aloha, where they had three more children. Earl’s career path changed direction so he could support his growing family. He began a Life Insurance career that culminated in the establishment of Spangler Insurance. Earl and his family were long time parishioners of St. Joseph Parish. Earl was a lector and usher there. Earl coached CYO basketball, supported Holy Names Academy and Seattle Prep and was active in revitalizing the Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce.
Earl devoted his retirement years to the Society of St. Vincent De Paul where he served three terms as Reginal President of the Western Division. He and Alice also took up cross-country skiing and camping and he especially loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Earl is survived by his wife of 63 years, Alice; children, Mark Spangler, Mary (Dave) Abbott, Steve (Erlinda) Spangler, Sue (Dan) Laxdall, Joe (Zenaida) Spangler, Peggy, (Dave) Cagle, David Spangler, Tom, (Vallie) Spangler, Cathy, (Kurt) Cordova, Jenny (Barry) Clemons, 13 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
A Funeral Mass will be held July 11th, 2017 at 4:00 PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 732 18th Ave East, Seattle WA 98112.
Remembrances may be made to the Society of St. Vincent De Paul/Seattle King
5950 Fourth Ave S Seattle, WA 98108 or, www.svdpseattle.org
Earl’s obituary was Published in The Seattle Times on July 2, 2017.