Leo Wayne Spradlin (1938-2023)

Ravinia, SD – A Life Well-Lived and Cherished

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm on Monday, November 27, 2023 at Peters Funeral Home, 124 E. SD Hwy 46 Wagner, SD 57380. His burial will be held at ZCBJ Cemetery, rural Wagner, with military honors and a reception will follow for friends and family.

With profound respect and loving memory, we announce the peaceful passing of Leo Wayne Spradlin, age 85, on November 19, 2023. A cherished resident of Ravinia, SD, and previously of Stevensville, MT, Whittier, CA, and Hallsville, TX, Leo's journey began in Longview, TX. He was born on July 22, 1938, and adopted by the late Julious Edd and Buella Spradlin.

A Dedicated Patriot and Community Pillar

Leo's life was marked by honorable service to his country and community. He served in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1958, demonstrating unwavering commitment and valor. Following his military service, Leo continued to enrich his community as a valued member of the Ravinia town council.

A Life on the Road and a Heart at Home

Leo's spirit of adventure and hard work was evident in his over 30 years as an 18-wheeler truck driver, traversing the vast landscapes of the United States. His stories from the road were as vast as the miles he covered. Later, shifting his focus to family, he founded bush hogging and grading businesses, generously lending his skills to friends and family with a warm, helping hand.

A Man of Many Joys

At heart, Leo was a family man – a devoted husband, a nurturing father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His zest for life was infectious, and he remained youthful at heart, always ready for a new adventure. Whether operating heavy machinery, riding his Harley, playing with his beloved pets, rooting for the Dallas Cowboys, or baking his signature banana bread for his wife each morning, Leo embraced every moment with enthusiasm and joy.

A Legacy of Love and Laughter

Leo's legacy is not just in the deeds he accomplished but in the countless lives he touched with his vibrant spirit, kind heart, contagious laughter, and admired jokes. His stories, his wisdom, and his love remain etched in our hearts forever.

As we bid farewell to Leo Wayne Spradlin, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a soul eternally cherished. May his journey onward be as joyous and adventurous as the life he lived among us.

A Family to Remember him

Surviving to cherish Leo's memories are his devoted wife of 64 years, Rose Marie Spradlin; loving children, Theresa (John) Blackstone, Jeannie (James) Temple, and Marjorie (Gary) Senti. His grandchildren: Brandon (Annel) Layne, Amanda (Ronnie) Reschke, Robin (Marcus) Bishop, Sean (Jackie) Lipkin, Jamie (John) Caroll, Michael Williams, Marissa (Tony) Stringer, Daniel (Summer) Blackstone and great-grandchildren: Aiden, Memphis, Denver, Adalyn, Austin, Erika, Jessi, Abigail, Sawyer, Eli, River, Ezra, Lorelei, Alaina, Audrey, Harper, and Hudson.

End-of-life Preparations

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm on Monday, November 27, 2023 at Peters Funeral Home, 124 E. SD Hwy 46 Wagner, SD 57380. His burial will be held at ZCBJ Cemetery, rural Wagner and a reception will follow for friends and family.