from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — William D. “Bill” Spangler, 65, of Galion, Ohio, died March 20, 2014, at The Ohio State University Medical Center after an extended illness.

Mr. Spangler was born in Crestline on Dec. 28, 1948, to the late William and Pauline (Watt) Spangler. He attended Colonel Crawford High School and was a member of the Class of 1967. He also attended The Ohio State University, Mansfield and Ashland University, Ashland.

He started his employment as a manager at the Kentucky Fried Chicken in Ashland. In 1976, he invested in the franchise and in 1978 built the new Kentucky Fried Chicken in Galion, owning it until 2000. He was the current owner of GOD’s (Green Outdoor Yard Service).

Mr. Spangler was a member of the Gospel Baptist Church, Galion. He was active with Colonel Crawford, Crestline and Galion Athletic Fields and it was his passion taking care of the Colonel Crawford fields. He loved coaching baseball and softball at Colonel Crawford. He was an active member of Colonel Crawford Booster Club and a great supporter of the community. He was a proud Ohio State Buckeye fan.

Although he was an avid Buckeye fan, his chief enjoyment for many years was as an owner and breeder of Standardbreds with Charlie’s Noble ID being his favorite.

He was a past member of the USTA and the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association and was a board member of the Christian Harness Horsemen’s Association.

Many horsemen may remember Mr. Spangler as being the “Kentucky Fried Chicken Man” at the horsemen’s tent on the backstretch during Little Brown Jug Week at the Delaware fairgrounds. For the many years he supplied chicken, he always donated it and never wanted recognition.

He is survived by his sons, Shawn (Vicki) and Chad; grandsons, Cameron, Evan, Caulen and Caden; the mother of his two sons, Linda Rhoads; sister, Sharon Studer; half-brothers, Mark (Chris), Mike and Jed (Elissa); half-sister, Mary Ann (Alan) Furner; uncle and aunt, Carl and Margie Watt; cousins, Ron (Kristi) Fox, Tammy (Tim) McHugh and Chuck Thoman; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends, John McDonough, Dave Kelly, Beth Cain and Logan Stine. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Ann (Kish); brother, Bob (Spangler) Watt; and his aunt and uncle, Maxine and Fritz Thoman.

Friends may call Tuesday (March 25) from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Mark A. Schneider Funeral Home, Crestline and Wednesday (March 26), one hour prior to the service, at the Gospel Baptist Church, Galion. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday (March 26) at Gospel Baptist Church, 5670 State Route 19, Galion, with Rev. Monty Trammel officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Colonel Crawford Athletic Department in care of the funeral home.