Ted Sprague (Tulia)

Ted Sprague, 90 years of age and a lifetime resident of Tulia died in the Swisher Memorial Hospital in Tulia on Tuesday, June 4, 2013. He was the third son born to I.C. and Ora Lee Sprague. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening at Kornerstone Funeral Directors. A private graveside service will be held at Wayside Cemetery at a later date. Ted united with the First Christian Church in 1937. After graduating from Tulia High School, he was attending school in Amarillo when he was drafted into the military service; being inducted in the Armed Forces on December 28, 1942. He served in the 2nd Army Medical Corp, 624th Medical Clearing Unit in Europe assigned to the Medical E-Vac unit. He was discharged in February of 1946. After receiving his military discharge, Ted returned to Tulia and soon began working for the First National Bank and retired from the bank in 1988 as Vice President. After retiring, he enjoyed working with 4-H youth and supporting particularly the livestock projects. Ted developed a special camaraderie with many extension personnel and 4-H families. He especially enjoyed stock show trips, working with the young dads and also trips to “hunt” for animals for show. Keeping the Swisher County livestock facilities in order was his obsession. He and his wife, the former Billie Ann Burnett, received honors for their efforts with 4-H. He was recognized as Swisher County 4-H Oldest Living Swisher County 4-H Alumni and a donation was made to the Texas 4-H Foundation in his honor in October of 1998. Ted is preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Jack & Chester. Surviving him is his wife, Billie Ann; two nieces, Dona Collins & husband Bob, and Cynthia Finck & husband, Trent; five nephews, Denton E. Sprague, Jr., Charles Sprague, Jim Burnett & wife Jennifer, Lee Burnett, and Joe Ted Edwards & wife Veronica. Memorials may be made to the Wayside Cemetery Assn., P.O. Box 155, Wayside, Texas 79094, Area Community Hospice, Inc, 4300 Olton Road, Plainview, Texas 79072, or a charity of your choice.