Eugene Sprague

EUGENE J. "E.J." SPRAGUE, 92, died at 10 a.m. April 22, 2007, at his residence. He was born January 24, 1915, in Lima, Ohio to Ross and Lucy Gallagher Sprague, who preceded him in death. On September 25, 1937, he married Willette G. Gilmore, who died November 8, 2004. Mr. Sprague had been a lathe operator at Ohio Steel Foundry, for 48 years. He was a member of St. Gerard Catholic Church, where he also worked the bingo games and as a handyman. He was a member of Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 370. He loved to hunt and fish. He was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Survivors include a son, Gene R. (Nancy) Sprague, of Lima, Ohio; two daughters, Barbara Sprague and Beth (Denny) Musselman, both of Elida, Ohio; eight grandchildren, Jeff (Brandy) Musselman, of Sandusky, Ohio, Gene R. Sprague Jr. and Tricia (Joe) Hilden, both of Lima, Ohio, Alison Musselman, of Elida, Ohio, and Brad (Nicole) Sprague, Ryan Sprague, Bret Sprague and Katy Sprague, all of Lima, Ohio; seven great-grandchildren, Aleah Sprague, Kyla Sprague, Morghan Musselman, Adeline Hilden, Madden Musselman, Corinne Sprague and Delaney Wintersteller; several nieces and nephews; and his best friend, Dr. Freddie Maurer, of Kentucky. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia Felder; a son, Robert Sprague; and a sister, Marjorie King. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Gerard Catholic Church. Burial will be in Gethsemani Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, where a wake service will be held at 8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Rita's Hospice, 770 W. North St., Lima, OH 45801. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.