Richard "Dick" Allen Sprague

Richard “Dick” Allen Sprague, 89, of Kempton, passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Waterford Place in Kokomo, Indiana.  He was born on April 3, 1936, in Kenosha, Wisconsin to his parents, Jesse W. & Martha A. (Winship) Sprague.  In 1956, Richard married Eleanor Reinhart after they met at Lincoln college in Fisher, Illinois, she preceded him in 2007.  In 2011, Richard married Kathleen Lane in Decatur, Illinois.  They made their home in Kempton, Indiana for nine years before returning to Kathleeen hometown of Decatur, Illinois in 2020; she survives. 

Richard attended elementary and high school in Farmer City, Illinois.  He attended Lincoln Bible Institute in Lincoln, Illinois and Louisville Bible College Louisville, KY where he received the Master of Theology degree and taught classes for three years. He also took classes among several universities for special studies.  He was Ordained to the ministry by First Christian Church of Farmer City, Illinois.

Richard served as minister in Illinois in churches at Yorktown, Prophetstown, Morrison, and Sterling, helping to establish some as new congregations, and in Kempton, Indiana. He worked at various jobs as he started the new churches, including writing as a reporter for several newspapers.

In 1975 Richard became the first staff member of International Disaster Emergency Service, Inc, (IDES) founded by Milton Bates of Marion, IN in 1973. He served in several capacities for 27 years before retiring in 2001. Richard worked with board members to help IDES grow into a world-wide disaster relief mission.

Those left to carry on Richard’s legacy of love are his wife, Kathleen Sprague; children, Stephen (Joetta), Gary (Julie), and Terry (Jill); stepson, David (Tammy) Lane; several grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Richard was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, Jesse & Martha Sprague; sister, Shirley Coppenbarger; and stepson, Tim Lane; and stepdaughter, Gerry Banks.

A service celebrating Richard’s life will take place on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Kempton Christian Church, located at 202 W. Washington Street in Kempton, with Pastor Larry Sims officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the church. Burial will take place immediately following the service at Kempton Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Richard’s honor can be made to IDES at 355 Park 32 West Drive Noblesville, Indiana 46062 or by clicking the link below.

Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Sprague family in their time of need. Please feel free to leave an online condolence or share a special memory of Richard with his family on his tribute wall. 

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