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William M. "Bill" Spangler Sr. kisses his wife, Elsie, in this picture taken in 2007 at their 70th anniversary celebration. (Submitted photo) |
Editor's note: Each Sunday, The Herald-Mail runs "A Life Remembered." Each story in this continuing series takes a look back — through the eyes of family, friends, co-workers and others — at a member of the community who died recently. Today's "A Life Remembered" is about William M. Spangler Sr., who died Sept. 18 at the age of 94. His obituary was published in the Sept. 20 edition of The Herald-Mail.
William M. "Bill" Spangler Sr.'s life spanned more than nine decades. During those years, his family says, he was a model of love for God and family, respect and commitment in marriage and care for others, especially through his prison ministry.
Bill married Elsie Duffey after only three dates. His mother worked with Elsie — both were seamstresses at a dress factory in Greencastle, Pa. — and thought she would be a good match for her son. Her instinct was right, and it was love at first sight after they saw each other's photographs.
"He said he fell in love with her picture and stayed that way his whole life," said third child Beverly "Bev" Grenci.
Bill wanted two children, while Elsie wanted eight. She adored two of her grandmothers — one had 13 children, the other with 15 — and wanted a large family as a result.
"They add with happiness," Elsie said of children.
Bill and Elsie's love affair lasted 74 years and produced eight children, 30 grandchildren, 68 great-grandchildren and 23 great-great-grandchildren.
"They compromised. He said, 'Yes dear,'" daughter and fourth child Lois Burnett said with a laugh in reference to their large family.
The Spangler children were born from 1938 to 1959, and there were children in the house for 42 years, in addition to foster children.
Bill and Elsie both were the first children in their families, and had to quit school in eighth grade to help care for their families. He learned to drive on a Model T Ford that had to be cranked to start.
"We got along so well, I didn't fuss him. I wanted him. I didn't want to lose him," Elsie said of the early days.
When they first were married and before their first child was born, the couple's combined wages were $9 per week and bread was 5 cents a loaf.
The Spanglers had good times and rough times, but stuck together though faith and commitment.
"He wanted to let others know that marriage can last and that God was the glue that held them together," Lois said. "He was so upset about the current divorce rate."
"He didn't believe in giving your word and breaking it," Bev said.
"That alone is unprecedented these days. I know it's been an influence on my relationship," said youngest child and son Kim Spangler of Florida, who has been married 31 years.
Bill showed his respect and love for Elsie by holding her hand, sneaking a kiss whenever he could, and telling her regularly that he loved her and how much he appreciated what she did for him.
"He lived for her," Bev said. "He'd tell us all the time, 'I love your mother.'"
"He called her Mother to show what we should do," Lois said. "That just stuck."
William M. "Bill" Spangler Sr.'s life spanned more than nine decades. During those years, his family says, he was a model of love for God and family, respect and commitment in marriage and care for others, especially through his prison ministry.
Bill married Elsie Duffey after only three dates. His mother worked with Elsie — both were seamstresses at a dress factory in Greencastle, Pa. — and thought she would be a good match for her son. Her instinct was right, and it was love at first sight after they saw each other's photographs.
"He said he fell in love with her picture and stayed that way his whole life," said third child Beverly "Bev" Grenci.
Bill wanted two children, while Elsie wanted eight. She adored two of her grandmothers — one had 13 children, the other with 15 — and wanted a large family as a result.
"They add with happiness," Elsie said of children.
Bill and Elsie's love affair lasted 74 years and produced eight children, 30 grandchildren, 68 great-grandchildren and 23 great-great-grandchildren.
"They compromised. He said, 'Yes dear,'" daughter and fourth child Lois Burnett said with a laugh in reference to their large family.
The Spangler children were born from 1938 to 1959, and there were children in the house for 42 years, in addition to foster children.
Bill and Elsie both were the first children in their families, and had to quit school in eighth grade to help care for their families. He learned to drive on a Model T Ford that had to be cranked to start.
"We got along so well, I didn't fuss him. I wanted him. I didn't want to lose him," Elsie said of the early days.
When they first were married and before their first child was born, the couple's combined wages were $9 per week and bread was 5 cents a loaf.
The Spanglers had good times and rough times, but stuck together though faith and commitment.
"He wanted to let others know that marriage can last and that God was the glue that held them together," Lois said. "He was so upset about the current divorce rate."
"He didn't believe in giving your word and breaking it," Bev said.
"That alone is unprecedented these days. I know it's been an influence on my relationship," said youngest child and son Kim Spangler of Florida, who has been married 31 years.
Bill showed his respect and love for Elsie by holding her hand, sneaking a kiss whenever he could, and telling her regularly that he loved her and how much he appreciated what she did for him.
"He lived for her," Bev said. "He'd tell us all the time, 'I love your mother.'"
"He called her Mother to show what we should do," Lois said. "That just stuck."
