IN MEMORIAM: David Sprague, 88;

Exeter Native Later Lived In Treadwell

TREADWELL – David Wilson Sprague, 88, an Otsego County native who then farmed in Treadwell and pursued a career in sales, died Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017, at the Norwich Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Norwich.

He was born on Oct. 14, 1928 in Exeter, the son of Asa W. and Vivian (Fay) Sprague.

Dave grew up in Schuyler Lake and attended elementary school there.  He then went to Richfield Springs and graduated from Middleburgh Central School in 1947.  He attended Cornell University, studying agriculture and milk testing.

Dave was a farmer and worked as a sales representative for GLF and Agway.  He then became a salesman dealing in sporting goods, household goods and hardware.  He worked for Babcock, Hinds & Underwood, Lincoln Supply, George Worthington Co., and Masback Hardware, retiring in 1993.

He loved to camp, hunt, make maple syrup, and work in his garden.

Dave married Stella P. Davidson on Sept. 30, 1972, in Treadwell.  Living in Treadwell, he joined the fire department and served 25 years as a member of the Franklin-Treadwell Fire Commissioners.  He was a member of the Treadwell United Methodist Church, serving as a trustee and 20 years as lay leader.  He helped with many fund-raisers at the church.

He was a long-time member of the Delaware County Shields, having been a former deputy sheriff for Chenango County.  He was a member of the Masons, Eastern Light Lodge #126 in Greene for more than 55 years.

Dave is survived by his loving wife, Stella P. Sprague, of Treadwell; their cherished children, Cheryl Matthews (Tracy) of Cleveland, Tenn., Terry Davidson (Joan) of Oneonta; Sandra Spreutels (Michael) of Bainbridge, Douglas Sprague of Delhi, and Betsy Gray (Michael) of Rochester, Pa.; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents; as well as his brothers, Harold Fay Sprague and his wife Marg, and Asa William Sprague and his wife Beverly.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations in Dave’s memory are asked to be made to the Treadwell United Methodist Church, 68 Church St, Treadwell, NY 13846 or the Treadwell Fire Department, 3001 Case Hill Road, Treadwell, NY 13846.

Condolences to the family are asked to be mailed to Stella Sprague, 29 Case Hill Road, Treadwell, NY 13846, and may also be made online by visiting our website: www.grummonsfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home of Oneonta.