Adrian "Neal" Sprick

A visitation will be held Wednesday, February 26, 2025 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Memorial Funeral Home, followed immediately by the funeral service, officiated by Rev. Rick Oberle. Neal will be laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Neal was born to Eva and Orlando “Jack” Sprick on June 15th, 1937. He was born on his Grandpa Richardson’s farm in Truxton, Missouri in Warren County.

As a child in the 1940’s he enjoyed playing baseball. He read a lot. Neal attended high school at Warrenton High. Upon graduating in 1955, he was accepted to University of Missouri, Columbia. Neal mastered in English. During college he earned money working at Kroger grocery.

In June of 1960, Neal married Anita Isbell. The family lived in various cities while Neal worked for the federal government, Center for Disease Control (CDC). Cities lived in included Jefferson City, Missouri; Louisville, Kentucky; Flint, Michigan; Lincoln, Nebraska; Atlanta, Georgia and Columbia, Maryland. While with the CDC Neal and family were transferred to Columbia, Missouri. After working for the CDC, Neal accepted a new job and became the Regional Director for the American Diabetes Association. After retirement, he worked and then later volunteered for the Daniel Boone Library.

Neal was a runner and later in life walked up to five miles per day. He attended many Mizzou football games. He held season tickets and often his sister, Elaine and brother-in-law, Dick, attended with him. Neal was a huge NASCAR fan. He enjoyed watching races on TV but truly loved seeing races in person. He also attended Saint Louis baseball games and other games in all the cities he lived in. Neal won a chili cook off: he was the first prize winner for the Columbia Optimist Club. He then was a judge for many chili cook offs. Neal used to sell Christmas Trees for the Optimist Club for many years. Neal also volunteered with the Columbia Food Bank.

Neal was a very generous and intelligent man. He was a good speaker, an avid reader, a keen history buff, and he loved classical music.

Neal is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Anita and son Steven Haselroth.

Neal is survived by his children Colin (Judy) Sprick and Lynn (Norman) Walker, 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.