Dr. Robert L. Spradling

(Age 74) Passed away Saturday, July 18, 2020. He was born April 28, 1946 in Knoxville, TN. to the late Stewart L. and Bonny Kate Spradling, and was the oldest of five brothers. Bob graduated from Pompano Beach High School in Florida and matriculated to The Florida State University where he earned the Bachelor, Master and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Music Education. His 45-year career in academia included teaching appointments at Coconut Creek High School in Florida, Syracuse University School of Music in New York and Western Michigan University School of Music. Throughout his professional career, Bob was known as a kind and compassionate teacher, who invested his time and energy in countless young people who were pursuing music degrees in both performance and education. Throughout his four and a half decades on the podium, Bob positively impacted many lives. During his prolific career, he was a member of Pi Kappa Lambda, Phi Beta Mu, Phi Mu Alpha, Kappa Kappa Psi, College Band Directors National Association and the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles to name a few. His academic specialization was in Instrumental Conducting, Wind Band Rehearsal Techniques and Wind Band History and Literature. Emphasizing the creative process in music, between 1993 and 2013, he participated in 27 consortiums to commission new works for wind bands. In addition, he authored education materials which included the publication Error Detection Exercises for the Instrumental Conductor, published by Carl Fisher Music in NY. This textbook is presently being used by some 80 colleges and universities across the US. In 2013, The Florida State University College of Music awarded him the Ernst von Dohnanyi Citation of Excellence for his work in promoting wind literature. Outside of the classroom, Bob's true passion was sailing. He earned 5 certifications from the American Sailing Association and sailed the Great Lakes, the Bahamas, Lake Champlain, the San Juan Islands and three trips on the Mediterranean Sea. When he couldn't be on the big boats, he was often seen driving his beloved blue sports car to local lakes where he enjoyed sailing remote controlled Soling boats. A man of great faith and hard-wired to serve others, Bob volunteered at his church, Portage Chapel Hill United Methodist, in the Food Pantry - a part of the Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes program. He also joyfully tutored children in reading and math at Woods Lake Elementary School in Kalamazoo. Bob is survived by his wife of 54 years, Diana; his son, Scott, and 4 grandchildren of Manchester, NH., and 4 brothers, Steven of Myrtle Beach, SC., Stanley of Roan Mt., TN, Michael of Cleveland, AL. and Mark of Boynton Beach, FL. For those who wish to memorialize his life and legacy, donations are being accepted online at Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes and at the Robert Spradling Memorial Scholarship Fund through the Western Michigan University Development Office. A memorial gathering will be announced at a later date. There will be no visitation. Private burial will be in South Portage Cemetery. Please visit Robert's personalized webpage for online guestbook or to leave a condolence. Arrangements were made by the Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 622 S Burdick St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. https://www.langelands.com