William Earl Spangler, 81, Harrisonville, MO, died Tuesday, January 1, 2008 at his home. Memorial services 5:00 PM Thursday, January 3, 2008 at the Atkinson Chapel, Harrisonville. Cremation. Inurnment will be held in Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville. Contributions may be made to the Salvation Army.

Earl was born November 14, 1926 in Gypsy, OK, the son of William Henry and Cornelia (Wood) Spangler. He married Betty Sue Moore on February 5, 1975 in Harrisonville. Earl was a WWII Army veteran. He was a pilot and had retired from the railroad. He had also been a cab driver and operated a vending route. Earl owned and operated the Dinner Bell Restaurant for 35 years in Harrisonville, before retiring in 1988. He then operated "Road Kill BBQ", a mobile barbeque catering service.

Earl drove for R. Z. Motors, delivering automobiles. His favorite thing to do was gardening and he loved big sunflowers. Earl was an avid debater and loved to debate politics and religion. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and his animals.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Leonard Spangler and two sisters, Lois Haskins and Eva Neeley. He is survived by his wife, Betty, of the home; four sons, Michael Spangler, Henderson, NV, Chris Spangler, Kansas City, MO, Paul Spangler, Adrian, MO and Robert Thomas, Kansas City, MO; four daughters, Judy Franklin, Raymore, MO, Deborah Anderson, Independence, MO, Julie Thomas, Grove, OK and Brandy Farr, Harrisonville, MO; three brothers, Jack Spangler, Harrisonville, MO, Wayne Spangler, Tulsa, OK and Jess Spangler, Depew, OK; one sister, Mabel Witt, Depew, OK; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Earl had a generous heart and a sense of humor. He was a very honorable man who was dearly loved and respected. His word was his bond. No words can describe what a wonderful man he was and how much he was loved and will be missed. He will always live in our hearts. Pearl of Great Price.