Clarence Sprague
Clarence Sprague, of Bacliff, Texas passed away on July 13th, 2021 at his home surrounded by loved ones. He was born on March 14, 1925 in Wewoka, Oklahoma to loving parents Delbert (Joe) and Nova Sprague before moving to East Texas where Joe worked as a blacksmith and in Kilgore oilfields. They also farmed and ran a country store at their home in Laneville, Texas.
At the age of 18 Clarence enlisted in the army after attending welding school. Sgt Sprague served as 1st Assistant to General George S. Patton and survived both the historic 1944 invasion of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge later that same year. He was awarded a marksmanship medal, a campaign medal with three bronze stars, the good conduct medal, and the World War II victory medal.
After his tenure in the army, Clarence continued his work as a welder. His career in pipeline welding allowed him to travel the US and the world, visiting all but a handful of countries. He retired at 78 to spend time doing the things he loved like fishing, hunting, reading western novels, protecting his pecan trees and spending time with his family and dogs.
Clarence was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Sanford, Jewel, William, Austin, twins Loretta and Juanita, twin brother Lawrence, twins Donald and Dolly Jo, and first wife Billie Jean Salter Sprague.
He is survived by his loving wife Juany Sprague of 41 years, their children Mark and Nova and her husband Jarrett and son Bauer. Also, the eldest son Micheal and wife Solange Collileux of France, Billie Jean’s son Joel and wife Barbara, and their children Jessica, Leslie, and Sarah, and Clarence’s eldest twin daughters Jackie and Jayne, as well as several nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to SERVE, an organization that provides services to veterans in the gulf coast area.
A visitation will be held on Saturday July 24, 2021 at 3:00 PM at Crowder Funeral Home in League City followed by a memorial service at 4:00 PM. A military honors ceremony will take place.
Rest In Peace. My prayers to the family.
Ke Akua pū ka Ohana. God be with you family. We love you all so very much. Will treasure him and our families forever
Estara siempre en nuestros corazones y recuerdos. Que desncanse en paz y brille para el la luz peroetua🙏Besos hasta el cielo❤️
Nova and Jarrett: Truly sorry for your loss. What an incredible life and contribution to the world this man made with family and his military service. Many thanks for his service to our country.
He lived an amazing and loved life. Who will protect the pecan trees? Love y’all. All the hugs!
All of our love and prayers to you, Nova. Reading your Dad’s accomplishments was so moving. What a truly generous and patriotic man. He fought and served so bravely for our country, and his legacy lives on in all of you. We are thinking of you.
Sincerely,
Rachel and Kenneth Green
Praying for family
Clarence was the best person anyone would ever want to know
I’m honored to have known him.
Warm thoughts and lots of hugs to you and your family. Your papa was a vibrant and strong man and his legacy and courage will live on forever.
Much love and many prayers for all of the family.
big love to my american family
many kisses to juana
yann collilieux your cousin
big love to a great man , thanks to clarence from normandy second war world for our liberty
ancourteville,normandie,france , mike :emotion ,gratitude,respect,and regards,strange:i shall be 75 years old on next 31 th july 2021 and i feel like an orphan .
Nova, so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. What an amazing life he lived. May be rest in peace.
I love you Uncle Clarence! You are one of kind and will be greatly missed! Thank you for all you’ve done for the family. Until we see each other again…hug Grandma Jewel and Granddaddy Paul for me and all of the family gone before us! Blessings and prayers for the wonderful family you made and my prayers are with them. 💕 Love always, Patty Kain