Robert "Bob" Douglas Sponsler

Robert “Bob” Douglas Sponsler

Robert “Bob” Douglas Sponsler, age 90, of Mechanicsburg passed away at Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital on Sunday, May 5, 2019.  Bob was born on Monday, August 27, 1928 in Everett, PA to the late Clarence Colfelt Sponsler and Evelyn Elizabeth (Sponsler) Sponsler.  Bob was the widower of Bessie Arlene (Brantner) Sponsler, whom he married on December 26, 1948, and who died on March 29, 2015.  In addition to his parents and wife, Bob is preceded in death by his brother, Donald C. Sponsler; his sister Phyllis J. Sponsler; and several aunts and uncles.

Bob’s survivors include his nieces and nephews: Donald “Don” W. Sponsler of Mechanicsburg, PA, Dennis L. Sponsler, and his wife Debra, of Mechanicsburg, PA, Cathy S. Rutman and her husband, Thomas, of Catasauqua, PA, Christine L. Watson, and her husband Jeffrey, of Fairfax, VA; and his uncle, Jack Sponsler of Everett, PA.

Bob graduated from Everett High School as part of the class of 1946 and from Elizabethtown College with a degree in Accounting.  He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force, having served during the Korean War. Bob retired from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg.  He was a lifelong member of Immanuel Christian & Missionary Alliance Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, where he sang in the choir.  He was a member of Everett Lodge #524 F&A.M. in Everett, PA for nearly 70 years and was a member of the Valley of Harrisburg, A.A.S.R.  He and his wife Bessie, whom he met in first grade, loved to travel together; and both were crafters and made a point to attend many craft shows.  Bob and Bessie established the Bessie and Robert Sponsler Memorial Scholarship Trust to aid high school graduates of Everett Area High School to attend college.  Bob was a beloved friend, neighbor and church member, who will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.

All are welcome to join Bob’s family at his memorial service on Saturday, May 18, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Christian & Missionary Alliance Church, 800 South Market Street, Mechanicsburg PA 17055, with Reverend Steve Wiggens officiating; and at his graveside service on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in Everett Cemetery, 134 Rivers Bend Drive, Everett, PA 15537 with Reverend Robert Robertson officiating.  Bob’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at his church following the memorial service.  Cremation was private.

Bob’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Bob’s full obituary and sign his official guest book at Buhrig.com.