Norton resident Elden Dale Sprague was born on February 24, 1927 to Earl and Hattie (Williamson) Sprague in Norton County, KS. He passed away at the Andbe Home in Norton on September 30, 2020, at the age of 93.
He attended schools in Norton County and graduated from Almena High School. Elden joined the Navy on March 6, 1945 and remained until July 8, 1946—the close of World War II. After his discharge, he attended Radio School in Texas. He then opened a radio and TV repair shop in Almena.
He married Lila Troutner on February 1, 1962. They later divorced. In 1967, he married Melba Farrand. They divorced in 1983.
Following the close of his repair shop, he opened a craft shop that he operated for many years in Almena and Norton. He was also involved with Boy Scouts, where he was a scout leader. He enjoyed building and flying model airplanes. He was an extremely talented painter. He painted beautiful landscapes on any object that you could think of, from milk cans to saw blades, to kitchen knives and bricks.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Hattie Sprague and a brother Arlo.
Elden is survived by his three brothers, Olin of Norton, KS, Gary of DeKalb, IL, Lynn of Redfield, AR; a sister, June Keiswetter of Norton, KS; and many nieces and nephews.
A Graveside Service will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 5, at the Mt. Hope Cemetery, Almena, with Pastor Ron Martin officiating.
Mr. Sprague will lie in state from Noon until 9 p.m. Sunday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Andbe Home.