Carroll Lee Sprague

Carroll Lee Sprague, 89, of rural Parsons, passed away at 6:52 p.m., Saturday, March 1, 2014 at his home. He was born November 1, 1924 in rural Oswego, Kansas to Emmet Lee and Edith Della (Sawtell) Sprague. As a young boy, he attended a two-room schoolhouse in nearby Montana. He then attended Labette County Community High School in Altamont where he graduated in 1942. After graduation, he worked for various companies building smokestacks across the United States. In November of 1948, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Ladd Field Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Alaska. On September 24, 1949, he and Norma Nell Czapansky were married at the home of her parents in rural Oswego. The couple continued to live in Fairbanks until his discharge in September of 1952. Following his discharge, they returned to rural Oswego where they were engaged in farming and raising cattle until their retirement. He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Nell, on December 18, 2013. He was a member of Labette County NFO where he served as chairman several years and had also served as a delegate on the national level. In earlier years, he enjoyed playing his guitar, going to music jams and square dancing. After retiring, he enjoyed watching NASCAR and sports on television and especially enjoyed continuing to monitor the activity of Sprague Farms on a daily basis. Survivors include: Two Sons – Larry Sprague and wife, Judy rural Parsons, KS Joe Sprague and wife, Debbie rural Parsons, KS Four Granddaughters – Mandy Goodwin and husband, Zane Bristow, OK Kari Burchett and husband, Justin Osawatomie, KS Ali Schneider and husband, Brandon Nacogdoches, TX Amber Costa and husband, Viri Ft. Worth, TX Eight Great-Grandchildren – Ryder, Roan, Rizden and Rainee Jo Goodwin; Jack and Max Burchett; and Cash and Cole Schneider One Brother – Charles Sprague and wife, Regina Parsons, KS Brother-in-law – Ray Handshy and wife, Doris Parsons, KS Sister-in-law – Marilyn Sprague Oswego, KS Numerous Nieces and Nephews In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, Emmet and Edith Sprague; two brothers, Russel and Thomas "Tom" Sprague; and one sister, Donna Handshy. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Oswego Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357. </p