DETROIT – Clyde Woodrow Sprague Sr., 82, died Aug. 10, 2008, at Sebasticook Valley Health Care Facility, after a long illness. He was born April 26, 1926, in Cherryfield, the son of John R. and Nataline (Fickett) Sprague. His family moved to Detroit in 1938. Clyde was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, where he saw action in both the Atlantic and Pacific as a radioman aboard the destroyer escort the USS Gunnison, and was part of the first U.S. task force to enter Tokyo Bay at the end of World War II. Clyde married Janet Thalia Richard-son, Sept. 12, 1948, in Town Hill. They were married for 58 years and raised five children together. Throughout the years, he made his living at such things as woodcutting, trapping, farming, carpentry and he became proficient at plumb-ing, welding and drafting. He was a builder of custom homes in the Pittsfield/Newport area for many years, and retired to run a nursery and pursue his love of farming. He was predeceased by his wife, Janet, April 20, 2007; a sister, Ramona Pierce; and brothers, Edward, John and Forrester Sprague. He is survived by his five children and their spouses, Clyde and Nancy Sprague Jr. of Attleboro, Mass., Diane and Philip Melanson of Plymouth, Denice and Roland Lowe of Augusta, Mont., Richard and Susan Sprague of Bucksport and Dwayne and Ann Sprague of South Portland; two sisters, Harriet DeRevere of Crystal River, Fla., and Margaret Inman of Pittsfield; 19 grandchildren and spouses, 16 great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins. A loving family by whom he will be greatly missed. Private graveside services will be held Aug. 12 at Detroit Village Cemetery with Pastor Gary Akeley officiating. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Service Center, 34 High St., Newport. To sign an online guest book and leave written tributes, please visit www.PhilipBrownFuneralHome.com.
CLYDE W. SPRAGUE SR.
