Obituaries

Thomas Spangler, 79, Viola, Idaho, died March 26, 2015.

Born in February, 1936, in Carlton, Mich., to Earl and Ethel Spangler, he moved with his family to Dearborn, Mich., in late 1937 where they lived until they moved to Bonners Ferry, Idaho, in 1945. They then landed in Potlatch, Idaho, and settled in Viola where he went to the one-room country school house.  He finished up his schooling as a sophomore in Moscow before going to work for Potlatch Forest Industries.

He married Margaret Price in September 1954 and they briefly lived in Potlatch, but later made their home in Viola where they have lived the last 52 years.

Tom served his community in a variety of roles; in the Army, Latah County Sheriff Reserve Deputy, Latah County Commissioner, school bus driver and Latah County Search and Rescue.  After his retirement from public service in 1999, he spent the rest of his days running a small custom saw mill where he did custom cutting of lumber; built toys, trains, jewelry boxes and a variety of other beautiful items. He also mentored many young people in the Viola area. 

He is survived by his wife; their four children, Jeffrey (Evonn), Russell (KO), Monica, and Leslie (Dale); 15 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three siblings, Virginia Veltcamp, Jack and Jim. He was preceded in death by a grandson, David Spratling.

A memorial service will be held at the Real Life Moscow Campus in Eastside Marketplace at a later date to be decided.

Memorial donations are suggested to go to the Veteran’s Memorial Flag Fund for the Viola Community Clubhouse or the Viola Community Clubhouse, Box 34, Viola, 83872.