Albert Spradling Jr.

Former senator Albert M. Spradling Jr., 84, of Cape Girardeau died Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2004, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

He was born March 13, 1920, in Cape Girardeau, son of Albert M. and Alma M. Willer Spradling. He and Margaret Whyman were married July 9, 1943, in Tyler, Texas. She preceded him in death Nov. 19, 1998.

Mr. Spradling had been an influential lawyer in the Cape Girardeau area since 1945, served with the FBI during World War II, and served in the state senate from 1952 to 1977. He was a member of Lynwood Baptist Church.

Survivors include two sons, Albert M. Spradling III and wife Pam of Cape Girardeau, the Rev. Robert W. Spradling and wife Toni of Lees Summit, Mo.; six grandchildren, Albert Spradling IV, Brooke Spradling, Alex Spradling, John Robert Spradling, Emily Spradling and Rebekah Spradling.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents and a sister, Margaret Spradling.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. today.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Lynwood Baptist Chur-ch, with Dr. Derek Staples officiating. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be John Robert Spradling, Albert Spradling IV, Alex Spradling, Jim Crismon, Hilary Schmittzehe, Dr. Jay Sheets and Tom Phillips.

Memorials may be made to Lynwood Baptist Church or Southeast Missouri State University Foundation.