Richard “Dick” Eugene Sprowl, 95, of Marion, left his earthly home and went to his eternal home with his Lord on Monday, July 8, 2024. He was born in Gowanda, NY, on July 10, 1928, and grew up in Fillmore, NY, where he met and married Evalyn Fairbank.
Dick graduated from Fillmore High School, Houghton College, and Asbury Seminary, and became a Wesleyan minister. After serving churches in Redfield, SD, and Waterloo, NY, he joined the US Air Force and spent the remainder of his career as an Air Force chaplain. This allowed him to see the world, serving in Ohio, England, New Mexico, Hawaii, Washington state, North Carolina, South Korea, Texas, and Arizona. In 1987, he retired at the rank of lieutenant colonel to Sun City Vistoso in Tucson, AZ, and then in 2008, moved to Marion to be near family. He was a private pilot, a puzzle builder, an avid golfer, and a traveler, enjoying several long journeys in a camper and completing over 40 cruises to destinations around the world. He was a follower of Jesus and a scholar and teacher of the Bible, teaching Bible classes and leading Bible studies throughout his career and his years of retirement.
Dick is survived by his wife of 73 years, Evalyn Fairbank Sprowl of Marion; daughter, Rebecca Franklin of Marion; son, Donald (Donna) Sprowl of Marion; grandchildren, Todd (Riecka), David (Dori), Dawn, Jonathan (Carolyn), and Jennifer; and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilfred and Hazel Sprowl; sisters, Yvonne Peters and Jennine Bleistein; and infant daughters, Dianne and Susan.
A celebration of life is to be held at College Wesleyan Church, 200 E. 38th St., Marion, IN, with inurnment at Marion National Cemetery.
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave, Marion IN.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Indiana Wesleyan University scholarship fund, 4201 S. Washington St., Marion, IN 46953.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard, please visit our floral store.
