Dad Sprouse just made you feel at home. We'll always remember that look in his eye that gleamed of warmth and wisdom. Such a rich life, just filled you up being around him. He's terribly missed. We'll just have to hold on to what he gave us, and share it, like he would. Which, was really his sending it on ahead. So, now that he's home, he'll hear, "Well done, My good and faithful servant."

Grandpa, with your love for horse racing and my love for horses (and being the runt in the family) you were always pushing for me to be a jockey.  You were always on my case for getting too big.  Thanks to you being one of my biggest reasons to strive to make you proud of me with my horses, I made a living doing stunt work and working with horses.  I told you I was sorry that I got too big to be a jockey and you told me how proud of me you were.  That's when I knew I did it!  I love you and miss you.  I've never stopped trying to make you proud.

When I first met grandpa, I was worried how he would feel about me - a divorced father of four dating his granddaughter.  I don't know about you, but I would have sent me packing.  But grandpa was civil and seemed really interested in me.  I was a little leery but after awhile with Jenn I came to realize he was genuine.  He accepted me into his family with open arms.  He made me feel welcome and loved.  After so many years with him I feel truly blessed to have the honor of calling him grandpa.  Never judging or critical, always encouraging.  He treated me as one of his own, which for me is what being called grandpa means.  I only hope I can be half as great a grandpa as he is.  I will miss him.  Love you grandpa

When I first met grandpa, I was worried how we would feel about me - a divorced father of four dating his granddaughter.  I don't know about you, but I would have sent me packing.  but grandpa was civil and seemed really interested in me.  I was a little leery, but after awhile with Jenn I came to realize he was genuine.  He accepted me into his family with open arms.  He made me feel welcome and loved.  After so many years with him I feel truly blessed to have the honor of calling him grandpa.  Never judging or critical, always encouraging.  He treated me as one of his own, which for me is what being called grandpa means.  I only hope I can be half as great a grandpa as he is.  I will miss him.  Love you grandpa.

There are so many thoughts, memories and feelings.  It's hard to put into words.  I think my brother summed it up when he said “He's Grandpa”.  He always told me that he loved me and that he was proud of the women, wife, and mother I became.   Without question, he and grandma accepted my children, husband, step children and step grand children with loving arms.   

I know grandpa had a huge influence on my father's life, and helped make him the man he was.  My father had many of the qualities grandpa had.  Honest, kind, loving.  A man with a passion for life and an undying love for his family.  A man you only had to meet once to obtain a deep respect for.  It was truly an honor to have grandpa walk me down the isle.

Three little boys ages 8 to 10 taking a shower Sunday morning downstairs in the bathroom doing something ridiculous called a GI shower.  Jump in, get wet, soap up while the next guy gets wet, jump in and rinse.  Grandpa tried to tell us the benefit of doing this in World War II; fifty guys could shower in 15 minutes this way.  To this day I don't like short showers.

When I think of Grandpa, I only remember patience, love, and understanding.  My grandpa never yelled, raised his voice or lectured no matter what.  Dumb things we came up with to do over the years.  I will miss his wonderful attitude toward life and only hope that the day I get called home, God has these qualities (I have a lot to answer for) but I really believe grandpa is standing by his side telling him remember, we were kids ourselves; they have to find their way home.

You were a very great man, who always had a great plan. 

You were the best grandfather I know, we never wanted you to go.  

Thank you for never treating me like a step-child, even if when we met, I was kind of wild.  

You were so very gentle and had a kind heart, you loved us all from the start. 

You lived a long and very full life.  Now all our prayers go out to your wife.  

You loved my children with all your kind heart, from you they never wanted to part.

Every time I think of my Grandfather my heart bursts with pride and love.  His family, with Grandma at the lead, was his top priority and we all continue to reap the benefits of his hard work and dedication. Any time spent with grandpa was  memorable and there are so many memories, most of which explain my love for trains, horses, and Santa ringing a bell.  If I have to choose one memory it would be a phone call I had with him where I was really homesick.  I wanted to come home to my family and my mountains.  He told me I was meant to be where I was, my family loved me regardless of the distance, and that he would move the mountains to see me if he could.  That was my grandpa, the man that moved mountains for the ones he loved.

Thank you for all the great memories of fishing camping and Christmas (you never missed the sleigh bells ringing when the presents arrived ).  Thank you for teaching me that the Lord, family, and friends are the most important things in life.  We will miss you. As you say it's just one of those things. I love you. 

When grandpa meets the Lord, the Lord will say unto him, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.

Once, grandpa and I fished at a lake but didn't catch any fish.  On the way back we stopped on the side of the road to catch water from a small waterfall stream. It was the best water I ever drank.  Even though we didn't catch any fish, I remember it as if it were yesterday.

Thank you for being a great grandfather.  The last time I saw you, you brought love and hope to the room. 

I should have visited so much more.  Now my heart is torn.  A strong, loyal man; you always said where you stand.  

We were not blood, yet once I heard I cried a flood.  When we greeted each other, you always kissed my hand.  I never knew the time we had was like running sand.  You always called me beautiful; that I was growing up into a wonderful little lady.  

See you soon, one day, one good moon.  I forgot to tell you I Love you too.  It's gonna be hard, but I'll forever and always miss you.

We were so lucky to meet Allen once last year when we visited this son David and my cousin Chris in Denver. We were amazed how active, fit and in high spirits he was at his age. He told us some stories from his fishing days as we share the love for fishing. We send our deepest  condolences to his family and relatives. Sólrún and Guðmundur Iceland.

All the Bantas will miss Al.  We're so sorry for your loss.

Al was a great, optimistic, happy guy, with a kind and helpful word for everyone. You could always count on the Sprouses, no matter what.

I work with Pam Sprouse and have heard her talk about both of her grandparents with much love and warmth.  To have such a fine young woman as a grandchild I know he must have been a wonderful man and will be missed by many.      Helen Rubio

A Tribute to Grandpa

In grade school, my parents sent me to visit Grandma and Grandpa for a couple of weeks over the summer.  Back then I was quiet, introverted, and impossibly shy around those I didn't know.  My parents will protest this point.  But if they look back, I know they'll see how different I was when not around them.  The very thought of being away for two weeks made me feel empty as if I was leaving a part of myself behind in my bedroom, among the warm Nintendo inspired blankets and familiar retro furnishings.  

I decided to visit, however.  Though I was often a trial, David was very good to me.  His stern but loving hand doled out discipline in equal proportion to affection.  I noted that Grandma and Grandpa were much the same.  So, I chose to visit and I will never regret it.

I came to learn a great deal of my grandfather during that visit.  He taught himself to me slowly and always on my terms, an act of patience and love which has impressed me ever since.  He saw beneath my exterior, raw with hurt and rejection and treasured me for the very core of my being.  His hands worn by time and a life of hard work were gentle and abundant with the hugs a child needs so desperately.  And his eyes...they were keen but kind, as if he only saw the good inside everyone he looked at.

He introduced me to his trains: models, pictures and books which belied a childlike wonder, well nigh impossible to maintain as an adult, commingled with a profound respect for those experiences which shaped him.  Though I didn't have the words as a child, I sensed that they were precious to him...each one a vibrant memory to be preserved.

It was during this visit that I came to love him as my grandfather. In this, I learned that neither blood nor birth bind a family.  Instead compassion, support and love unconditional transcend these almost paltry considerations.  I credit him to this day with that lesson.  I am grateful to have had his wisdom in my life and equally sad that same wisdom can now only be shared in memory and the continued love of a family that he cherished above all else.

I will miss him and I will morn.  But, I will strive to live by his example.  I will work hard.  I will love deeply.  I will act honorably.  I will always love my grandfather.

I worked with my Dad for years at the Rio Grande Rail Road, he trained me and others. I never under stood until then the commitment to us for he never missed mine or my older brother(Dan)s wrestling matches at West High. He would work nights so he could be involved in what ever we did from scouts to teaching us how to hunt&fish. All three of us Dan(1947-1982),David, and me(Allen L.)had the best Dad and he was our rock and hero. He walked through the door sunday to be with Our Lord and Savior Jesus, he will be missed, and we will be together again.     Love You Dad.  Allen

Grandpa,
You were a man of strength, kindness, grace, humility, and wisdom. Some of my fondest memories are of fishing with you and Grandma in the mountains, always with a bright spirit. We would spend whole days simply enjoying life. I will forever remember you as a man who always made life better in every way.  We will all miss and love you. You have been a blessing in our lives and I am so thankful to have had a grandfather like you.

In grade school, my parents sent me to visit Grandma and Grandpa for a couple of weeks over the summer.  Back then I was quiet, introverted, and impossibly shy around those I didn't know.  My parents will protest this point.  But if they look back, I know they'll see how different I was when not around them.  The very thought of being away for two weeks made me feel empty as if I was leaving a part of myself behind in my bedroom, among the warm Nintendo inspired blankets and familiar retro furnishings.  

I decided to visit, however.  Though I was often a trial, David was very good to me.  His stern but loving hand doled out discipline in equal proportion to affection.  I noted that Grandma and Grandpa were much the same.  So, I chose to visit and I will never regret it.

I came to learn a great deal of my grandfather during that visit.  He taught himself to me slowly and always on my terms, an act of patience and love which has impressed me ever since.  He saw beneath my exterior, raw with hurt and rejection and treasured me for the very core of my being.  His hands worn by time and a life of hard work were gentle and abundant with the hugs a child needs so desperately.  And his eyes...they were keen but kind, as if he only saw the good inside everyone he looked at.

He introduced me to his trains: models, pictures and books which belied a childlike wonder, well nigh impossible to maintain as an adult, commingled with a profound respect for those experiences which shaped him.  Though I didn't have the words as a child, I sensed that they were precious to him...each one a vibrant memory to be preserved.

It was during this visit that I came to love him as my grandfather. In this, I learned that neither blood nor birth bind a family.  Instead compassion, support and love unconditional transcend these almost paltry considerations.  I credit him to this day with that lesson.  I am grateful to have had his wisdom in my life and equally sad that same wisdom can now only be shared in memory and the continued love of a family that he cherished above all else.

I will miss him and I will morn.  But, I will strive to live by his example.  I will work hard.  I will love deeply.  I will act honorably.  I will always love my grandfather.

     Not all heroes are the fighting type. Some are hidden behind a mask, others aren't. My hero is my great grandpa, Allen Sprouse. He is brave, loyal, and humorous. I am so lucky to have him in my life. He has done so much for me, whenever I needed him, he was there for me. 
     My great grandpa was a PFC(Private First Class) in the 9th air force as a ground troop. He fought under General Patton in the Battle of The Bulge in World War II. When the Battle of The Bulge started, he was told that he needed more training. He was then transferred to London to get that training. At one point in the war he was seventeen kilometers away from Hitlers headquarters and one and a half miles away from a concentration camp. My great grandpa is a brave man and has taught me to use bravery to my advantage. 
     Allen is a loyal and humorous person. After the war was over and he was discharged he moved to Colorado with my great grandma. They started a family and had three sons, but sadly lost their oldest. He never fails to cheer people up when they are feeling down. He adds energy to anything he does. Whenever I am around him I feel electrified and full of energy. When it comes to comedy, he never fails to makes others smile.

He has taught me many lessons you could never learn in school. From him I have learned that family comes first no matter what the circumstances are. Another lesson I have learned from him is that if at first you don't succeed you always try again until you succeed. I am a better person because of Allen. I have learned to respect myself as others as well just by knowing my great grandpa. 
     Allen is a great man, he is brave, loyal, and humorous. One day I hope to be like him. Everyone has a hero. Some are hidden, some aren't. Mine just happens to be my great grandpa, Allen Sprouse. Who is yours?

Grandpa Sprouse,
You were such an amazing man with so many life experiences. I'll never forget the wonderful get togethers you and grandma Sprouse would have at your house. The basement was the coolest place in the house, with all your cool things down there. Thank you for taking us all in with open arms you are truely one of a kind. ~The Santistevan Children

I would have to say that you were the coolest grandpa in the world I Rember all the great memories of going up in the mountains just to eat a sandwich then come back home and all the memories of me coming to your house and just watch train movies with you. I love you papa and will miss you forever
Deigv Jr

Unfortunately I only spent scarce moments and time with Grandpa but he was the type of man that could impact you in that short of a time. In that brief window he instilled in me the importance of hard work, perseverance, and most importantly a commitment to your family.

 Dear Al, (Dad)  What a special gift it was to be considered part of your family - every time we got together for a special dinner I so enjoyed our conversations and the opportunity to hear about so many of your life's adventures.  You were an amazing person, a loving husband, and a gentle soul...I know you are still with us but you will be missed for sure. My deepest sympathies to your loved ones. Dia Moore

Paul and I are inspired by Al's  life and his loving and committed relationships.  We feel honored to have known him and we will continue to love and enjoy his surviving family members.

Dad
Thank you for all the wisdom you shared with me; all the love you gave me; all the fun we had together.
“The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.”
You taught me so much; you supported me; your love was bountiful; you were a wonderful father in law.
I shall miss you but know that “ All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.”
Rest in the arms of God as his strength endures forever.
Love Margee

We were so sorry to hear about Al's passing.  He was a dear, special man and will be missed by many.  Our love to Pat and the rest of the family. Our prayers are with you as we share in your loss.

In sympathy and love,
Dale, Sandy, Kristen, Kate, and Kelsey Denning

We love you Grandpa and will miss you dearly! 
Love- Russ, Theresa, Emily and Grace

OBITUARY

Allen "Al" "Al" Sprouse

April 10, 1921 – September 22, 2013

Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Chapel Hill

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