Retired U.S. Army Colonel Billy E. Spangler, Boerne, died of leukemia November 19, 2007 at his home. He was 78.
His widow is the former Melba Brown of Herrin, III. Two sons, Kelly, Evan and his wife, Marina, Survive also, plus two sisters, Juanita and her husband, retired Marine Lt. Col. Robert Hofstetter, Salem, III., and Rosemary Harlow, Brownwood, Texas.
Spangler joined the Army as a private after graduating from high school and served in Italy. A G-I Bill graduate of Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, III., he received a direct commission in 1953 and later served in Vietnam with the first brigade, 101st Airborne Division.
He subsequently participated in the planning for the return of America's Vietnam POWs and was in Hanoi Feb. 12, 1973 when the first element of American service members was released.
Later assignments included the Army Staff at the pentagon; the commander and editor-in-chief, European Edition, The Stars & Stripes, a daily newspaper for the service personnel stationed in Europe, the Middle East, and the United Kingdom.
His last assignment was Commandant, Defense Information School, Fort Benjamin Harrison, Ind. He retired to Boerne, Texas in 1983.
Colonel Spangler's inurnment will be at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C.. A memorial service will be held at the 1st United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 24, 2007 at 11:00 am. Memorials may be given to Dr. Maxine Surber Lorenz Foundation, Inc, P.O. Box 269. Boerne, Texas 78006. Funeral Arrangements entrusted to Vaughan's Funeral Home of Boerne.