Dale Allen Sprague

Dale Allen Sprague, 59, of St. Marys, Ohio, passed away at 9:06 A.M. on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, in the emergency room at JTDMH in St. Marys, Ohio.

He was born September 15, 1966, in Auglaize County, Ohio, the son of C. Eugene and Martha (Berron) Sprague.

He is survived by one brother, David (Juli) Sprague of St. Marys; two sisters, Ann (Ed) Morris of St. Marys and Jane (Sam) Schmiesing of Celina; five nephews, Brian (Lizann) Morris, Eric (Danielle) Morris, Kevin(Tiffany) Sprague, and David (Shannon) Stark, all of St. Marys, and Kyle (Katie) Sprague of Hilliard; two nieces, Kelly (Andrew) Roth of Celina and Natasha (Tom) James of St. Marys; his longtime friend and roommate, Jason Potter of St. Marys; and 19 great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Carla Jean Sprague.

Dale worked at the rest area on U.S. Route 33, where he was a groundskeeper, and at Capabilities, where he cleaned offices. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and previously attended Auglaize School.

From birth, Dale demonstrated a remarkable ability to defy all odds, overcoming significant challenges to live a rich and joyful life. He was a Special Olympics athlete, participating in track and field, bowling, and Mercer Challenger Baseball. He was an avid fan of the Cleveland Browns, Ohio State Buckeyes, Cincinnati Reds, and St. Marys Roughriders – and though he was nonverbal, Dale made his feelings about every play perfectly clear, all while faithfully keeping score in his notebook. Dale enjoyed yardwork (especially mowing), listening to Elvis (and shaking his pelvis), and loved playing with dogs, taking photos with friends, and spending time with his family. Dale’s helpful nature, spirited personality, and sincere smile were cherished, and he will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. on Monday, December 1, 2025, at the Miller-Long and Folk  Funeral Home, 314 West High Street, St. Marys.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the funeral home, Vicar Mary Miller, officiant. Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Auglaize County Special Olympics. Memories and condolences may be shared with Dale’s family via Millerfuneralhomes.n