Spangler

After battling for years with many health issues, Sheldon passed away peacefully May 10 surrounded by his family.

Spang was born in Evans City, May 10, 1929. He moved his family to California in 1962 and lived in Fremont for his remaining years.

He is survived by his loving wife, Erma, to whom he was married for 60 years. Spang has two sons and two daughters who adore him and will miss him tremendously, Sheldon Jr. and his wife Connie, Sandra and her husband Bill, Sheila, Scott and his wife Monica, Shawn and Patty, and Cara; six grandchildren, Shannon, Shane, Billy, Chad, Scarlett and Scotty; and three great-grandchildren, Bryanna, Kiara and Giovanni. He is also survived by a special sister-in-law, Janet, and niece and nephew, Tammy and Tracy and their families. Spang is also leaving behind other dear family members in the East Coast, especially the Spangler clan which he considered his own kids, special cousins, Joye and Dick and their family, and his good friend, Will.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Bennett and Ray.

Spang owned and operated Spangler Backhoe Services for 56 years, working in the bay area. He thoroughly enjoyed running his business and operating his backhoe. He took much pride in his work and company and enthusiastically trained his sons, Scott and Sheldon Jr., and his daughter, Shawn, to run the equipment.

Spang belonged to Operating Engineers Local 3, Fremont Elks Lodge 2121 and the NRA.

Spang was a man of many unlimited talents that would end up turning into another one of his hobbies. He loved to help out his family and friends with improving their homes and whatever else they would need help with. His talents were broad, and it seemed whatever he attempted he perfected because he took great pride in his work. For example, he restored a 1945 Willys Military Jeep, which he placed first in the Military Vehicle Preservation Association. His true love was hunting, and he was an avid hunter. He hunted in Alaska, British Columbia, Canada, and many other states for elk, white tail deer, mountain sheep and other game. He loved traveling, seeing the country and its history, along with meeting new people. Even though he had his pilot license, he always enjoyed driving across the states.

Sheldon has left a lasting impression in many peoples' lives. His integrity, honesty and loyalty were just a few of his outstanding traits. His influence and guidance are evident in his children. The legacy that he leaves behind will live on through the hearts of his loved ones and those special people he has touched in his lifetime.

Erma would like to thank her lovely daughter-in-law Monica for all the meals she prepared for her and Dad, and a big thank you to son-in-law Bill for all his help in taking care of Dad. Additionally, we would like to express our gratitude to Dr. O'Keefe in San Francisco. As a result of his medical knowledge and tremendous caring of his patient, he gave our father additional years with his family. A very special thank you to Pastor David Sauer for his many visits and blessings.

<B>SPANGLER</B> — Visitation with a service was held today at <B>Fremont Chapel of the Roses</B> for Sheldon Lawrence "Spang" Spangler, who died Saturday, May 10, 2008. A chapel service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the mortuary. Burial will follow at Los Gatos Memorial park in San Jose, Calif.Donations can be made in Spang's memory to the Prince of Peace at 38451 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, CA 94538.