Patrick Earl Spannagel, Sr., lovingly known as "Pat," passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 86. Born on March 17, 1940, in Lytle, Texas, Patrick's life was a testament to faith, dedication, and love for his family and community.

Patrick graduated from Lytle High School in 1958 and went on to attend The University of Corpus Christi, Texas, from 1958 to 1962. During his teenage years and college days, he worked diligently in various roles, including concessions, farm labor, painting buildings, and as an oil field roustabout. While attending college, he also refueled military aircraft at the U.S. Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi.

After moving to San Antonio, Patrick worked for three years as a smokehouse man for Rath Packing Co. and spent twelve years in the cash register business with National Cash Register Co., Beideger, and Century Cash Register Co. However, his true calling came in 1970 when he achieved his lifelong goal of becoming a pastor within the Baptist denomination. Patrick served bi-vocationally for many years, balancing his ministry with secular jobs. His resourcefulness extended beyond the pulpit—he learned basic electrical wiring and single-handedly wired a feed plant in Hondo.

As a pastor, Patrick was deeply committed to his congregation and ministry. He became proficient in computer record-keeping and desktop publishing and began a newsletter titled *Homeward Bound*, which featured messages, articles, and his studies on the history of Baptists. His devotion to his faith began early; he was saved at the age of 12 during a Methodist revival meeting and felt called to preach by the age of 17. In 1978, he became the full-time pastor of Pyron Avenue Baptist Church in San Antonio. He retired for the first time in 2006 but returned to serve again in 2009 until retiring permanently in 2015. His favorite Bible verse was Galatians 2:20: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." His favorite hymn was "Until Then."

Patrick shared a remarkable life with his beloved wife of 66 years, Virgie Spannagel. Together they raised four children: Patrick E. Spannagel Jr. (Brenda Heath), Michael Robert Spannagel (Glenda Spannagel), David Bryan Spannagel (Keri Spannagel), and Amy Sue Guinn. He was a proud grandfather to eleven grandchildren and cherished his eight great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Phyllis Sandlin and numerous nieces and nephews. Patrick was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, one sister, and one great-grandson.

Patrick's hobbies reflected his love for family and the outdoors. He enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, swimming—teaching many family members how to swim—and barbecuing. He raised cattle on a small scale and became a HAM radio operator alongside his son David, even building his own radio tower. Family gatherings often included spirited games of "42" dominoes—a pastime he greatly enjoyed. A lifelong enthusiast of Ford cars and trucks as well as John Deere tractors, Patrick's interests were as diverse as they were heartfelt.

Patrick's friendly nature and fun-loving spirit left an indelible mark on all who knew him. He was a devoted husband, father, pastor, and friend whose life exemplified service to others and unwavering faith.

May Patrick Earl Spannagel Sr.'s memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to all who were blessed to know him. A Funeral will be held on April 10, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 01:00 PM at Southside Funeral Home 6301 S. Flores St. . There is a Visitation Service on Thursday 04/09/2026 between 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm

A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 09, 2026, at Southside Funeral Home from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Southside Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. and a graveside service at 2:00 p.m. at Lytle Community Cemetery in Lytle, Texas.