Mr. William Bruce Spengler

Bruce Spengler of Diamondhead, Hot Springs, AR, formerly of Lake Bluff, IL, died Wednesday, December 28, 2011 in Hot Springs.

Bruce was born June 12, 1924 to Werner and Clara Spengler in Chicago, IL. He attended North Park College and enlisted in the Army Air Corps in June, 1942. After completing pilot training he served in the 8th Air Force as a fighter pilot and after the war, returned to school. Gloria and Bruce Spengler were married in October 1947 and he went to work for Illinois Bell Telephone Company in January 1948. He was recalled to active duty in the Korean Conflict and served as a jet fighter pilot. Returning to Bell, his active participation in the Air Force Reserve program got him involved in the Cuban Crisis, Santo Domingo Crisis, and attendance at many Air Force training programs and schools. He commanded fighter inceptor and troop carrier units for several years before attending and graduating from the Air War College 1967-1968.

Upon completion of that program he was asked to return to active duty and, after securing another military leave of absence for Bell, he was assigned to the Pentagon and later of a Major Air Command for four more years. He retired in the grade of Colonel. He received many service medals including the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal w/3OLC, ETO Ribbon w/3OLC, Air Force and Army Commendation Medals, National Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, AF Longevity Medal, Combat Crew Medal, Armed Forced Reserve Medal, Expert Pistol Medal, and Distinguished Unit Badge.

After retiring from the Air Force in 1974 and Bell Telephone Company in 1978, Bruce and Gloria moved to Diamondhead in November 1978 and enjoyed many happy times partying, dining and dancing at the country club. They traveled quite a bit and saw many parts of the world. Gloria predeceased Bruce in April 2002.

While living at Diamondhead, he had served on the Architectural Control, Beautification, Road, Budget, Lodge Club and Pool committees, and Manager of the swimming pool. He was a member of the Men's Golf Association and a past president of the Diamondhead Lions Club. He was a member of the Military Officers Association of America, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, Hot Springs Elks Club, a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans Association and a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. He sponsored the Colonel "Bill" Spengler Air Force Scholarship Fund which, to date, has enabled several recipients to pursue their advanced college degrees.

Bruce and Mary Chambers were married in April 2004 and they moved into her house in Hot Springs. They enjoyed many happy times traveling to several places, playing golf together at Belvedere Golf Resort and dancing in the Hot Springs area clubs. They were active members of Boot Scooters and Be Bop dance clubs.

In May, 2010, Bruce and Mary were invited and hosted as VIP's to the annual Planes of Fame air show in Chino, CA. Bruce and seven other WWII Mustang (P-51) pilots who flew combat missions in that plane were selected as a panel to answer the many questions of some 40, 000 visitors. The icing on the cake came when Bruce was able to fly in an exact replica of his WWII aircraft, "Buzzin Cuzzin", 65 years after climbing out of the cockpit at the end of the war.

Survivors include his wife, Mary; one daughter, Susan Meyer; two sons, Scott and Brian; one daughter-in-law, Dawn; one grandson, Michael(Gabrielle); one granddaughter, Rorrie; and one great grandson Logan.

The service will be 2 pm Saturday January 7, 2012 at Gross Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at the Arkansas Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock. An Honor Guard from the Veterans of Foreign Wars will be provided by the Hot Springs VFW Lodge.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Air Force Aid Society, Inc., 1745 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 202, Arlington, VA 22202.