Deane Sprout

Deane O. Sprout, 99, of Cape Girardeau passed away Monday, April 27, 2015, at the Lutheran Home.

He was born Oct. 3, 1915, in Neosho Falls, Kansas, to Albert Warren and Ella Cochran Sprout. He and Catherine Windmiller were married Jan. 3, 1943, in Kansas City, Missouri.

Deane graduated from the University of Missouri with an engineering degree and as second lieutenant in the Army. While attending the university, he was captain of the polo team. He went into the Army after graduation and retired as a captain. He received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star while serving his country during World War II. He was the battery commander on the front lines in Germany with the 774th Field Artillery. The day before the Battle of the Bulge, he stepped on a land mine while doing reconnaissance behind enemy lines.

He was a member of Missouri Engineering Association, University of Missouri Alumni Association, American Legion and a charter member of World War II Museum. He retired from the Missouri Highway Department in 1979 after 28 years of service.

Survivors include his wife of 72 years; three children, Sandra Kay May of Anna, Illinois, Deane O. Sprout II and companion Kathy Ann Rhodes of Jackson and Sheri L. (David) Whorton of Aurora, Colorado; six grandchildren, Shannon Marshall, Matthew (Julie) Sprout, Tamara (Kevin) Sanders, Katherine (Dennis) Tafel, David Whorton and Kyle (Felicia) Whorton; and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and two sisters.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri, with full military rites conducted by Missouri Honor Guard.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.