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BORN
1928
DIED
2024
FUNERAL HOME
1341 N. Baldwin Ave.
Marion, Indiana
Richard Sprowl Obituary
Richard "Dick" Eugene Sprowl, 95, of Marion, left his earthly home and went to his eternal home with his Lord on Monday, July 8, 2024. He was born in Gowanda, NY, on July 10, 1928, and grew up in Fillmore, NY, where he met and married Evalyn Fairbank.
Dick graduated from Fillmore High School, Houghton College, and Asbury Seminary, and became a Wesleyan minister. After serving churches in Redfield, SD, and Waterloo, NY, he joined the US Air Force and spent the remainder of his career as an Air Force chaplain. This allowed him to see the world, serving in Ohio, England, New Mexico, Hawaii, Washington state, North Carolina, South Korea, Texas, and Arizona. In 1987, he retired at the rank of lieutenant colonel to Sun City Vistoso in Tucson, AZ, and then in 2008, moved to Marion to be near family. He was a private pilot, a puzzle builder, an avid golfer, and a traveler, enjoying several long journeys in a camper and completing over 40 cruises to destinations around the world. He was a follower of Jesus and a scholar and teacher of the Bible, teaching Bible classes and leading Bible studies throughout his career and his years of retirement.
Dick is survived by his wife of 73 years, Evalyn Fairbank Sprowl of Marion; daughter, Rebecca Sprowl Franklin of Marion; son, Donald (Donna) Sprowl of Marion; grandchildren, Todd (Riecka), David (Dori), Dawn, Jonathan (Carolyn), and Jennifer; and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilfred and Hazel Sprowl; sisters, Yvonne Peters and Jeannine Bleistein; and infant daughters, Dianne and Susan.
A celebration of Dick's life will be held at 12:00 noon on Monday, July 22, 2024, at College Wesleyan Church, 200 E. 38th St., Marion, IN. Inurnment will take place at Marion National Cemetery.
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave, Marion IN.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Indiana Wesleyan University scholarship fund, 4201 S. Washington St., Marion, IN 46953.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Sprowl
Sponsored by Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service - North Chapel.
3 Entries
Sandy Vest
July 19, 2024
I appreciated this man's gentle spirit when I encountered him at the IWU gym workout area. I remember him telling me that he was on his way to Tennessee one time when he was on a recumbent bike. My more important memory was one day when I was distressed and asked him to pray for me about an issue. I don´t remember the issue now, but remember that his prayer was answered. Heaven is sweeter today!
Brenda West
July 13, 2024
The first time I met Chaplain Sprowl was on an educational tour to Israel. Evelyn and Richard were a part of our group. It was an amazing trip. I also would see both him and Evelyn at Davis Monthan AFB chapel. Chaplain Sprowl is now dancing around the throne.
Patricia L. Howard Gonzalez
July 13, 2024
One of Ch Sprowl's interest was personality type indicator tests. I worked with him and was there when he gave the test to a group of chaplains and coordinators. The results were very informative. He also gave me tests to take to a family reunion. My entire family took the test. We still talk about the results.
Patricia Howard Gonzalez, Tucson, AZ
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Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service - North Chapel1341 N. Baldwin Ave. State Road 9, Marion, IN 46952-1913
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