Michael Oliver Sprague

1946 - 2021

GOMER — Michael Oliver Sprague, 74, entered his eternal home in heaven on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 after an extended illness. After 18 years, he can breathe freely without oxygen tanks next to him. His heart is perfect now. He has a new, perfectly, healthy body that the Lord made for him.

Michael was born August 15, 1946 to Oliver Sprague (deceased) and Leola (Dietrich) Kearney, who survives in Lima. On April 20, 1990, he married Barbara Shoup, who survives in Gomer.

Michael is a graduate of Bath High School. From school he directly entered the United States Air Force, where he proudly served his country for 8 years. Two of those years were served in Vietnam and 1 year in Goose Bay, Newfoundland, Canada with communications. Upon leaving the Air Force, he learned to repair calculators with Monroe Systems. As the computer age was beginning, his love turned to installing and repairing computers for Valcom Computer Center, Inacom Information Systems and Contracted Computer Tech at Lima City Schools. Michael installed many computer systems in local businesses and Lima City schools.

Michael had many hobbies, including collecting and flying kites, trains, and anything computer related. He loved to share his love of computers. He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports via the internet. He was a self taught man through his curiosity of how things worked. He was proud of his country.

Michael attended Cable Road Alliance Church, Lima, Ohio. His ministry for many years was to record the Sunday morning worship and edit it to a CD for others to enjoy.

Many people would know Michael for his fight for his health. For 18 years he drug around 2 oxygen tanks everywhere he went for his deteriorating lungs. He continued to fight as more health issues surfaced in the last few years. He fought until the very end. Today we know Michael O. Sprague is with The Lord because of Mike's trust in Jesus.

Michael is survived by his wife, Barbara, of Gomer; his son Brian (Christina Sarabia) Sprague; two stepchildren, Justin (Manetta) Shoup and Kristina (Nathan) Jones; grandchildren: Jaela, Kyla, TJ, and Jaden; great-grandson Camden, all of Lima. He is also survived by siblings: Dennis (Carolyn) Sprague and Larry (Evelyn) Sprague, both of Florida; Barry (Michelle) Sprague, Mary (Bert, deceased) McCourt, both of Lima; Margaret (Tom) Madden, of Indiana; and Tim (Lyn) Sprague, of Lima; In-laws, Connie (David) Adam and Keith (Susie) Stephens; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at 1 p.m. Visitation will be Monday, February 22, 2021 from 4-8 p.m. Burial will be at Pike Run Cemetery in Gomer, Ohio. Pastor Richard Jueckstock and Pastor Tim Lewis will officiate the service.

Due to COVID 19, we require you wear a mask and social distance. If you feel ill in anyway, please stay home. If your desire is to stay home, we understand.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project or the Lima Rescue Mission. Contact the family or funeral home for more information.

Condolences may be made at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.

The family of Michael would like to thank the staff of InterimHealth (especially Nikky and DeeDee), the doctors, nurses, and staff of Mercy Health, Lima (especially Dr. Patel, Kayla, Melanie, Clarine, 3D, ED and ICU units) and the VA of Lima (including John and Dr. K) for their excellent care of Michael. You were wonderful!