Carl Leroy Spaur, 84, died April 3 at his home in Los Gatos.

Spaur was born in Pawhuska, Okla. He served in the reserve forces before joining the U.S. Army for World War II, and later served in the U.S. Air Force and fought in the Korean War. Spaur retired from the Air Force with 20 years of service.

After retiring, Spaur was recruited to take a position with a pharmaceutical start-up company, Syntex U.S.A., in Palo Alto. While at Syntex, Spaur was instrumental in the development of many FDA-approved drugs.

Spaur was also an avid hunter and fisherman.

Spaur had three children with his wife, June. The couple built two homes--the first in Napa while he was stationed at Travis AFB, and the second in Los Gatos, where he lived from 1966 until his death.

Spaur is survived by his daughter, Suzanne Mastrowca; his sons, John and David Spaur; his sister, Delpha Williams; and his three grandchildren, Katie, Phillip and Christopher Spaur.

A private memorial service was held at his residence on April 9. Cards can be sent to 1913 Los Gatos-Almaden Road, San Jose, 95124. Donations can be made in his name to the American Cancer Society.