Robert "J.R." L. Sprague

Our beloved husband, father, brother, friend and warrior, Robert L. "J.R." Sprague, 65, of Mansfield, bravely crossed over after battling brain and lung cancer, on November 26, 2016 surrounded by family at his home.

Although only recently discovered, his illness was earned as a result of exposure to chemicals during faithful service to us and our country in Vietnam.

J.R. was born in Mansfield, Ohio on June 4, 1951 to Robert Leroy Sprague, Sr. and Beverly Mae (Buchanan) Sprague. J.R. had a traveling spirit, and lived many places, from Mansfield to Arizona to Washington State. He served in the US Army from 1969 until 1972, being stationed in Vietnam in 1970 and Germany in 1971.

J.R. was an especially talented artist, with skills ranging from master cabinetry and fly-tying, to collecting antiques and creating jewelry. He could spot a deal at any Flea Market, and enjoyed spending time with his family hunting for bargains. He was also a Tribal member and respected Warrior of the East of the River Shawnee Nation, know by his people as Ten Wolverines.

J.R.'s absence will be painfully felt by all of those whose lives he touched. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Janice Sprague; children, Chastity (Pete) Trumpower, Robert L. Sprague III, James K. Sprague, Raynette Sprague, Jeanne Blackstone, and Danielle Salyer; grandchildren, Alexis Sprague, Olivia Trumpower, Ava Trumpower, Lia (Moodie) Potts, Brynne (John) Freed, Sayah (Joe) Blakely, Tamila Blackstone, and Janice Mattox; siblings, Carolyn "Vonnie" (John) Green and Lana "Susie" (Glenn) Delong.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Gene A. Sprague and Sandy Lynn Sturm.

A gathering to celebrate the life of J.R. will be held Saturday, December 10, 2016 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at AmVets Post #43, 76 Main Street, Bellville, Ohio. The Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is honored to assist the family of J.R. Sprague.