YORK Clark Spangler, a decorated war veteran, loving family man, and lifetime York resident, died Tuesday, January 16, 2007, at 12:40 a.m. at Manor Care Health Services South. He was 89 years old. There will be no viewing. Following cremation, a private graveside service will be held at Mt. Rose Cemetery with graveside military rites conducted by the York County Veterans Honor Guard. A memorial service will be held Friday at St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 700 E. Market St., York. Officiating at the service will be his pastor, the Rev. Patrick J. Rooney. The second oldest of six brothers, Mr. Spangler was born June 23, 1917, in York City. He was the son of the late Filbert and Hettie (Gilbert) Spangler. As a young man, he met Virginia Hevner, also of York, and the high school sweethearts were married on May 30, 1941. Clark proudly served in the U.S. Army during WWII and Korea. He began his military career in February, 1943, when he enlisted with the 202nd combat engineers.
Along with his fellow comrades in Company C, "Charlie Company", he landed at Omaha Beach a week after the Normandy Invasion and remained in Europe for 2-1/2 years. He received a field commission in December, 1944, while the 202nd was serving in Belgium and was awarded the rank of 1st Lieutenant. In March, 1945, the men of Company C constructed a critical bridge across the Rhine in just over six hours while under enemy fire. He received WWII Victory Medal for his service and multiple bronze stars before returning home on Christmas Eve, 1945. Five years later, in September, 1950, Mr. Spangler was reactivated to serve in the Korean Conflict. His units were awarded three bronze battle stars and he returned to York as an Army Captain in June, 1952, where he settled back into civilian life with his family. Upon his return from Korea, Clark began his career as a successful salesman with the G & T Candy Company and later, with Masury Paint Company, Baltimore, Md., where he worked until retirement as an executive VP. After retirement, he coowned and operated the Masury Paint store in York. Clark was an active long time member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in York, The Outdoor Country Club, Victory Club, and Delphi Club. He enjoyed many years as an active scout leader and was awarded the Silver Beaver, scouting's highest honor for outstanding service. Mr. Spangler was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His values, integrity, generosity, and honesty made him a wonderful role model to all that knew him. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Virginia; son, Michael Spangler and wife, Pamela; daughter, Jane Baughman and husband, Dennis; and four grandchildren, Courtney Goche, Ryan Spangler, Brandon and Brittney Baughman. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Gilbert, Richard, Ned, Sterling, and is survived by brother, Weldon Spangler. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 700 E. Market St., York, PA 17403; or to United Way of York Co., 800 E. King St., York, PA 17403. www.workinger-semmel.com

Published in the York Daily Record & York Dispatch on Thur 18 Jan 2007.