Steven Malcolm Spangler

“Look to the stars and you will find heaven.”

Steven Malcolm Spangler died at the age of 70 on October 2, 2023, from Alzheimer’s Disease. He passed away peacefully at his home in San Diego, California.

Steve had a good life. His parents Richard and Dorcas Spangler were proud to announce the birth of their baby boy on July 23, 1953, in Aurora, Illinois. He adored his older sister, Suzanne Dohren, who says that he was quite a rascal as a child. Steve enjoyed going to car races with his dad, which continued into his adulthood.

Steve earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering at the University of Illinois and was a member of Phi Delta Theta. Shortly afterwards he moved to San Diego, California. He continued his education at San Diego State University earning a master’s degree in business administration.

Steve worked for many years as facilities engineer at various companies. In his later years he switched careers to teach business classes at the local college. In his spare time, he worked as a photographer for the local paper and for weddings.

Steve married Susan Drayton on September 17, 1982, in a beautiful meadow at Lake Tahoe. Their son, Robert Richard Spangler, was born June 8, 1984. Steve was thrilled to have a little boy!

Steve was always trying new things. He read fervently to learn everything he could and loved sharing these things with his wife, Susan, and son, Robert. His biggest passions were astronomy, dogs, camping and hiking but also enjoyed skiing, launching model rockets, playing guitar, and caving. We are forever grateful for the adventures he introduced to us during his life and will keep these fond memories in our hearts forever.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 5, 2023, 1:30pm at Hilltop Park, 9711 Oviedo Way, San Diego, CA. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Elizabeth Hospice in San Diego, an organization that was extremely helpful to Steve and his wife during his final year of life. Go to “Ways to Give” at Elizabethhospice.org. For more information you may contact [email protected].

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.tridentsociety.com/location/san-diego-ca for the Spangler family.