Steven Alan "Steve" Sprague

Steven Alan "Steve" Sprague, age 57, of Battle Creek died unexpectedly, but peacefully in his sleep of an apparent heart failure on May 16, 2015. He was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on January 6, 1958, the loving son of Hugh D. and Ida E. (Pillars) Sprague.

Steve was employed by DLA Disposition Services at the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center for more than 30 years. He spent most of those years in the field of Contracting. He was a 1976 graduate of Gull Lake High School, and received both his Bachelor and Masters Degrees at Western Michigan University, in the field of Political Science.

Those who knew him will always remember him for his tremendous love of great music and lyrics, classic old movies, the Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Lions. Steve continued to play recreational basketball - even after having triple bypass surgery - because it brought him such joy. He also loved a good political argument and any and all dogs.

Steve's marriage to Tracy (Urban - now Sokolowski) in 1988 lasted 13 years and produced the love of his life, his daughter, Chloe Sprague, who survives. He is also survived by four brothers; William (Patricia), Michael, Gary and Thomas, and by one sister, Patricia (Joe) Ferguson, as well as countless nieces, nephews, friends, and his dog, Ace.

At the request of the family, cremation has taken place. They will receive friends 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 22, 2015 at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home where a memorial service to celebrate Steve's life will be held 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 23, 2015. For the visitation on Friday, in the spirit of Steve's greatest loves - the family would love to see people in their favorite Detroit Lions or Tigers gear. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the American Heart Association or the Humane Society of South Central Michigan. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Steve may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.