John Roger Spangler
April 1, 1931 - August 30, 2017
John Roger Spangler, age 86, of Columbus, Ohio died peacefully on the morning of August 30, 2017.
John was born on April 1, 1931 in Columbus to the late John Harley and Ruth (Battels) Spangler.
He graduated from Columbus North High School - Class of 1949, and the Ohio State University School of Music - Class of 1953. John was a member of the Ohio State University Marching Band, playing the baritone horn, and marched in the infamous 1950 "Snow Bowl".
He was a U.S. Army veteran of the post-Korean War era, serving in the 25th Division Army Band in Hawaii.
John was the long-time band director at the Ohio State School for the Blind in Columbus. His long career, in which he influenced the lives of generations of students, evokes fond memories of him playing his bass trombone and leading the band in concert performances at the school's annual Christmas and Spring Celebrations.
John is preceded in death by his parents and sister Ellen, and is survived by his wife of 33 years, Genevieve; children, David Spangler, Ron (Patty) Spangler, and Diane Eplin; grandchildren, Nathan (Ellie) and Jonathan Spangler, Kelly and Lindsey Spangler, and Ryan Moore and Alana Gerlach; two great-grandchildren; and nephews, Tim and John Lloyd.
The family will receive friends 4-7 pm on Monday, September 4 and Tuesday, September 5 from 10-11 am at the Scheidinger Northwest Chapel, 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, where a funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 5 at 11 am with Greg Tidwell officiating, followed by interment at Union Cemetery, Columbus.
Donations in memory of John may be made to the Ohio State School for the Blind Music Fund, 5220 North High St, Columbus, Ohio 43214.
The family is grateful to Danbury Senior Living and Capital City Hospice for the excellent care they provided to John. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.Schoedinger.com
John was a member of the marching band from 1949 through 1952. He played trumpet in 1949 and 1950 and baritone in 1951 and 1952.
