David I. Sprout, LTC USA(Ret)'s Obituary
Lieutenant Colonel David I. Sprout Special Forces, Vietnam Veteran (Retired)
David I. Sprout, aged 89, passed away on April 2, 2026, at home surrounded by his loving wife and family, born to Dewitt and Catheryn Sprout on October 7, 1936, in Reading, Michigan. David dedicated 30 years of his life to serving his country, in the United States Army.
He was a proud graduate of The Infantry Officer Candidate School, class of 1959. Served as company commander in Vietnam and as a Special Assistant to Commanding General, 4th Infantry Division Vietnam. His bravery earned him, the Bronze Star for Meritorious Achievement, he also Received the Joint Service Commendation Metal for Meritorious Achievement while serving as Senior Advisor, Royal Thai Army, UBON, THAILAND, a true quiet professional, in addition to numerous other awards and decorations. While in the military he also earned two degrees; a Bachelor of Art History from the University of Tampa 1972, and Master of Arts in Management at Webster College St, Louise Mo. 1978.
Dave met his lovely wife Flora 46 years ago on Melanie Lane, where she lived at 102, and he lived at 108. One of his children brought home cookies from a neighbor. After tasting them, he said “I’m going to marry the woman who made these chocolate chip cookies” he told his daughter, and sure enough he did.
Following his retirement, David began a career in the building supply industry, working as a manager of 84 Lumber, followed by Panning Lumber and later at Gilchrist Building Supply. During this time David built his and Flora’s paradise home in Archer, Florida from the pine trees milled from the property. He was a master craftsman in woodworking who built many unique items including 28 rocking chairs for each one of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was also a member of the Newberry United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Flora Sprout; sons, David Sprout, Jay (Sheryl) Sprout and Shawn (Ulrike) Sprout; son-in-law, Robert Isabel; a sister, Sally (Mike) Rose, Larry Sprout, Dewayne Sprout, DeAnn Wells, Beard Wells, Robert Wells, Dennis Wells, Steve Wells, ; stepchildren, Chuck Wigand and Robin (Dan) Lichtenwalter, along with numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents Dewitt, Catheryn, sibling’s brothers Danny, Jerry Lee, sister, Caral Anne, and a daughter, Sonmogique Kaye “Gigi” Isabel.
Funeral services with military honors will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 11:00 A. M., in the Chapel of Williams-Thomas Funeral Home Westarea, 823 NW 143rd Street, Newberry.
What’s your fondest memory of David?
What’s a lesson you learned from David?
Share a story where David's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with David you’ll never forget.
How did David make you smile?