Bernard J. Sprague

Bernard J. "Butch" Sprague, 83, of Rocky Ridge, Ohio, died Thursday, June 13, 2013 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Perrysburg, Ohio. He was born in Rocky Ridge on May 4, 1930, a son of Lyman C. & Leah M. (Dehring) Sprague. Butch was a graduate of the former Salem-Oak Harbor High School where he was active in sports. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, serving in Alaska and was a member of American Legion Post #114, Oak Harbor. Butch was an employee of Roadway Express for many years, retiring in 1992. After retirement, he was a staff associate at Crosser Funeral Homes, greeting visitors until a few weeks before his passing. Butch was a lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church, Rocky Ridge, and sang for many weddings and funerals over the years. Active in the Boy Scouts, he was Scout Master of Troop 333 for many years, and received the Silver Beaver award for his dedication to Scouting. Butch was a member and Past Master of Oak Harbor Lodge #495 F. & A.M., and was a member of several other Masonic organizations. He was a particularly dedicated member of Zenobia Shrine, where he was Past Ambassador and a Potentate's Aid. Butch greatly enjoyed working at the annual Shrine Circus, and was a member and Past President of the Ottawa County Shrine Club. Always community minded, Butch was a long time member of the Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Department and served as Fire Chief for several years. He enjoyed tinkering in his shop at home, helping friends with projects and working with his brother Gabby in his blacksmith shop. On September 22, 1951, Butch married the former Laverne Fillmore, and she survives. Also surviving is his brother, Farrell O. Sprague, Florida; sister-in-law, Sharon Sprague, Graytown, Ohio; nieces, Kami (Dean) Brough, Oak Harbor, Kara (Ross) Lomazov, Clarkston, Michigan; nephews, Bart (Ginger) Sprague, Bryan, Ohio, and Brett Sprague, Graytown; great nieces & nephews, Jason, Hollie, Konnor, Kobe, AJ, and Leah, and great-great niece & nephews, David, Dylan, and Jerica. Butch was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Lyman L. "Gabby" Sprague. Friends may call from 2-8 P.M. Tuesday at Crosser Funeral Home, Oak Harbor, where members of Oak Harbor Lodge #495 will conduct a Masonic service at 7:30 P.M. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, June 19, 2013 at St. John Lutheran Church, Rocky Ridge, with the Rev. Ralph Schibler officiating. Interment will be in Salem Township Union Cemetery, Oak Harbor. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to St. John Lutheran Church, Rocky Ridge, Zenobia Shrine, or to a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.crosserfuneralhome.com. Funeral Home: Crosser Funeral Home - Oak Harbor Chapel 301 N. Locust Street Oak Harbor, OH