Robert “Bob” E. Spangler, 71, of Craigville, passed away Wednesday evening, Nov. 22, 2023, at his residence.

He was born Jan. 26, 1952, in Peru, Ind. to Eugene and Virginia (Hollis) Spangler. Bob graduated from Maconaquah High School in 1970 and earned his B.S. Degree at Indiana Central College, with a major in business and a minor in English.

Bob served as the pastor of Petroleum United Methodist Church for six years, Otterbein United Methodist Church in Walton, Ind., worked at Pretzels Inc. in Bluffton, and as a rural mail carrier for Geneva and Berne. He enjoyed reading and was a fan of the Cubs, Colts and IU. Most importantly, Bob’s life centered around his faith in Jesus Christ.

On Oct. 26, 1977, at the Otterbein United Methodist Church in Greenfield, Ind., Bob and Theresa J. Brewer were married.

Survivors include his wife Theresa Spangler of Craigville; a son, Travis (Andrea Farley Spangler) Spangler of Minneapolis; and a daughter, Megan (Matthew) Eckelbarger of Craigville; along with 4 grandchildren, Miles, Sawyer and Ira Eckelbarger, and V.J. Spangler.

Bob is also survived by his siblings, Barbara (Mark) Deeds of Bunker Hill, Ken (Sharon) Spangler of Bunker Hill, Joyce (Phil) Kline of Rochester, Ind.; and a brother-in-law, Kevin Wideman of Macy, Ind.

He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Karen Wideman.

Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton.

Funeral Service will take place at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023, at the funeral home with calling for one hour prior to the service. Dr. Bryson “Gene” Bell will officiate.

Burial will follow at Six Mile Cemetery in Bluffton. Memorials may be made to Friends Who Care Cancer Relief Foundation and should be directed to the funeral home. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Lemler family of Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Friends can send online condolences to the Spangler family at www.thomarich.com.