Donald Lee Spradling

Donald Lee Spradling, 88, of Wamego, Kansas, formerly of Topeka, died Thursday, June 3, 2021, at the Home of the Flint Hills. Don was born on October 2, 1932, in Arkansas City, Kansas, the son of Dale and Evelyn Spradling. He graduated from High School and then entered service in the United States Army during the Korean War. Following his military service, Don earned a degree in Geological Sciences from the University of Wyoming. Don worked for over thirty years as a cost estimator for Shake Electric in Topeka. He retired in 1987. He was an active member of the Lions Club and volunteered his time collecting glasses and transporting for the Eye Bank. He also was involved in a program tutoring young children in reading. Don was very generous and was known for his willingness to help others. He loved to do woodworking and built furniture, decorative boxes, bowls and other wood projects, all of which he gave to family members and friends. Don enjoyed driving and traveled to various parks and sights across the country and was a Boy Scout Leader while his sons were in the program. Don was very patriotic and loved his country. He also felt strongly that he and Esther’s primary responsibly was to raise their children in a way that they would know the Word of God. His favorite quotes for his children were; “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” and “Remember when you point your finger at someone, there's 3 fingers pointing back at you.” Don married Esther L. Wonderly on June 22, 1953, in Casper, Wyoming. Their honeymoon was an all-night drive from Casper to Oklahoma so Don could reach his military assignment in time. She preceded him in death on January 11, 2021. Don is survived by his children; Ronald E. Spradling (Cathy), Pine City, Minnesota, Jeffrey “JD” Spradling, Ottawa, and Lora Herman (Terry), Wamego; his grandchildren, Breeonna Wade (Frank), Paola, Brandii Spradling, Olathe, Jennifer Boatwright (JD), Alma, Ben Woodley, Denver; his great-grandchildren, Finley, Preston, Jasmine, Marek, and Austin; his step-grandchildren, Bobby Harris, Houston, Texas, Ashley Herman, Kansas City, Kendal Gerkovich (Nick), and Kiel Herman (Amy), both of Kansas City; and his step-great-grandchildren, Lacey, Allysa, Layton, Lucy, and Bella. He was also preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Vera Jean Gorsky. A graveside inurnment for both Don and Esther Spradling at 10:00 am, Tuesday, August 3, 2021, at Valley View Memorial Park Cemetery in Manhattan. The family suggests memorial contributions to a charity of the donor’s choice, and those may be sent in care of Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego. Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com.