William Benjamen Sprague

William Benjamen "Ben" Sprague, 86William Benjamen "Ben" Sprague, 86, died May 3, 2007. He was born May 17, 1920, in Rockland, Idaho, to Benjamin Franklin Sprague and Elizabeth Hillhouse Sprague. Mr. Sprague grew up in Burley, Idaho, with his sisters Helen, Betty Lou and Elizabeth, and his brother Richard. After graduating from Burley High School in 1938, he attended the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho. He proudly and honorably served in the U.S. Navy during World War II from October 1941 to October 1945. Mr. Sprague returned to Burley after VJ day, married Dena Hartwell Doman on Feb. 2, 1947, and took over operations of Sprague's Sports Shop, the family business. Mr. and Mrs. Sprague retired in 1972 and eventually settled in Sun Lakes, Ariz., where they made many new friends. Mr. Sprague managed Sun Lakes Realty and was the resident tennis pro at the Sun Lakes Country Club. Mr. Sprague may best be remembered for his love of music and his beautiful voice that so many enjoyed. Mr. Sprague's wife, Dena, died in 1994. Mr. Sprague was also preceded in death by his parents and siblings. He is survived by his four children: Gay Lynne Aragon of Mesa, Ariz.; Shellie (Ed) Anderson of American Fork, Utah; Ellen (Phil) Compton of Sheridan, Wyo.; and William F. (Robin) Sprague of Tempe, Ariz.; 12 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. A Military Honor Ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 21, at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix. Contributions can be made in Mr. Sprague's honor to his favorite charity, The Crisis Nursery, 2334 E. Polk, Phoenix, AZ 85006, 602-273-7363, www.crisisnurseryphx.com/support.asp. Mr. Sprague's family can be contacted at wfsprague@aol.com.