Thursday, March 15th, 2018
James Sprague
James Michael "Mike" Sprague, age 77, of rural Rockford, passed away at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at his residence.
Born on February 16, 1941 in St. Marys, he was a son of the late James Edward & Edna (Hunter) Sprague. Mike married Jeanne Van Gundy on October 16, 1966.
She survives, along with their two Daughters: Nancy Sprague and Toni (Les Arnett) Sprague of Rockford, four Grandchildren, a Great Granddaughter, three Step-Grandchildren and a Brother & Sister, George (Marie) Sprague and Betty Koch. He is also survived by Brother & Sisters-in-law: Dave (Debi) Van Gundy of Celina, and Andrea Van Gundy of Ohio City and Rosa Van Gundy of Van Wert.
Mike was preceded in death by an infant son, Johnny James Sprague, and Brothers-in-law: James, George, and Ralph Van Gundy.
A 1960 graduate of St. Marys High School, Mike served in the U.S. Navy from July 1961 to September 1965. He was stationed aboard the USS Fiske, and participated in the Cuban Blockade in 1962. He was a member of Celina American Legion Post #210.
Mike retired from the Goodyear Plant in St. Marys after 35 years of service, and was a member of United Steelworkers Local #200. A member of the Mendon United Methodist Church, Mike and his wife Jeanne also served as custodians for many years at the church. Mike enjoyed reading, traveling, Paint-by-Number, and puttering around his shop.
Visitation will be held from 2:00-5:00 PM, Sunday, March 18th and from 10:00-11:00 AM, Monday at the Mendon United Methodist Church.
Funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM Monday, March 19th at the Church with Pastors Rob Glenn, Don Clinger and Chuck Eagle officiating. Burial will follow at Tomlinson Cemetery in Union Township with military rites performed by Celina Legion Post #210 and Celina VFW Post #5713.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or to the Veterans organization of the donor's choice.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at dickandsonshellwarthfh.com. Arrangements are being handled by W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home, Mendon.
