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Thomas Howard Sprague December 11, 1937- December 10, 2022 It is with heavy hearts that we bid an earthly farewell to an inspiring man who shaped and touched many lives. Tom Sprague was a devoted husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, grandfather and friend. He was a father figure not only to his daughters, but to countless others who saw him in that role. Tom never knew a stranger and was always there to lend a helping hand. He was never in a hurry when it came to people and giving them his attention. Tom was born in New Orleans, Louisiana to Madge and Robert Sprague. He was a gangly child of the 1940’s who was obsessed with airplanes and all things military. He graduated from high school in Jackson, Mississippi, working in the Louisiana swamps during the summers until he enlisted in the Navy and became a Corpsman serving with the Marines. Physical fitness was always important to him and he was quite proud of his sixteen-inch biceps. After the Navy, he went to Baylor Medical School in Dallas, Texas to become a Physical Therapist. He enjoyed a rewarding career as a PT for over fifty years, 25 years in McAllen, Texas and 25 years at Good Sam in Corvallis, and helped thousands of people improve their quality of life. Tom had a few select passions in life. He was a protector and admirer of all animals. Tom studied every animal with awe and wonderment and instilled the same compassion in his daughters. There were countless trips made to Chintimini Wildlife Center with an injured animal that needed tending to. We fostered many cats and dogs at the humane society and tears were always shed when it came time for them to go up for adoption. It was not uncommon for Tom to come home from work with a cat or ferret he found in the road while driving home. On walks, dogs would always greet him, sensing a kind and gentle soul who loved them. Tom’s childhood love for airplanes never diminished. His favorite was the Blue Angels, the Navy’s flight demonstration squadron. He saw them fly in many Air shows and was in awe of skill and precision it took to fly the super hornets. Tom also loved reading about the battles of World War II and the respect he had for all the servicemembers who fought for our freedom, something he felt we should never take for granted. He loved history and had the opportunity to visit many historical sites in Europe. While in Europe, Germany and Austria gave us wonderful closeness to another passion, classical music. He could name most every piece and the composer. One of his favorites “Nimrod from Enigma Variations” by Edward Elgar. If you haven’t heard it, give it a listen. Tom was blissfully married to Madeleine for 39 years. He had four daughters Robin (Adam Kaplan), Karen (Mike), Schyler (Andy Abate), Hanna (Alexis) and three grandchildren Andrew and Avery Kaplan and Niko Thomas Abate. We will carry in our hearts his wicked sense of humor, happy go lucky demeanor, and his extraordinary kindness and generosity. There is a vast emptiness in our lives, but a joy in knowing we were the chosen few that got to love and be loved by him.

Tributes

Thomas Howard Sprague

December 11, 1937 - December 10, 2022