Asa J. Spengler 85, of Ruskin, FL, died unexpectedly at home Wednesday Mar 4, 2009.
Born May 23, 1923 in Williamsfield, Ohio, he was the son of Asa and Allie (Miller) Spengler. Mr. Spengler was a former resident of Williamsfield, Ohio.
He was employed as an Equipment Operator with the County of Hillsborough until his retirement in 1989. Mr. Spengler was a Life member of Post # 6287 Veterans of Foreign Wars, being an Army Air Corps veteran of World War II with the 8th Air Force 100th BG, 351st BS and completed 30 missions over Europe in the B-17 “FEVER BEAVER”. The Fever Beaver was returned to the Arizona storage site after completing 125 bombing missions over Europe. After which he was transferred to the Middle East Theater of War. He served from 1942 until his discharge in 1945 at the rank of Sergeant First Class and earned the Distinquished Flying Cross, Air Medal w/ 4 OLC, Good Conduct Medal, EurAfrMidEast Medal WWII, Victory Medal WWII.
“He was an accomplished musician with the inherent ability to hear a piece of music once and picking up his guitar and playing the song flawlessly.” Quote by Gene Autry in Ogden, Utah, 1943.
Mr. Spengler was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth V., sister Alta A. (Spengler) Bacon, sister Alma A. (Spengler) Singrey, brother Allen D. Spengler, and brother Albert Spengler.
Survivors include his daughter Barbara (Robert) Heimlich of Jacksonville, FL, two grandchildren Todd and Amber, one Great grandchild Silas, two nephews in OH, one nephew in PA, one niece in OH and one niece in WY.
Graveside services for family and close friends will be held Monday March 30, 2009 at 10:45AM in the Bay Pines VA National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd, Bay Pines, FL with Military services by Veterans of Foreign Wars Seminole Post #9272.
Veterans Funeral Care
727-524-9202
Dear Barb and Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
With deepest sympathy,
Mary and Steve
Dear Barb and Family, You have our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Bob and Doris
Barb and Bob and family you
are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Dear Spengler Family,
With deepest sympathy to the family. I am a son of Asa, Michael John Smith born June 6, 1955.
I also too have these musical talents and looks. Before knowing about him, I found my life mirroring alot of his. Later, I knew of some of his travels, life experiences, through conversation and notes acquired from my Mother and other research.
I hope my thoughts and prayers are accepted during this sad time.
Dear Spengler Family:
While it has been several years since Asa passed, I still miss the nearly three year friendship I had with him. He was a special man who was among the “Greatest Generation” and to whom our country should feel indebted.
I have thought many times of the comments left by Michael Smith, who indicated he was Asa’s son. I wish I knew where Michael was, so I could offer to share pictures and letters related to his father in his final years. If anyone knows where he is, I would appreciate your help. Thank you. g-pepper@illinois.edu