Deryl Wayne Sprague, 81

Deryl Wayne Sprague of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away on Jan. 8, 2009, at Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d’Alene.

Born on Aug. 15, 1927, in Buffalo, Mo., to Melvin Ray Sprague and Nellie Lavilla Nelson, Deryl moved with his family to Wilmington, Calif., at the age of 5.

He graduated from Banning High School in 1945, and joined the Army, serving at Fort McArthur in San Pedro, Calif., where  he performed in the Army Band with Doc Severinson.

He was honorably discharged in 1946, at which time he went on tour as a saxophonist with Big Bands including those of Bob Crosby, Alvino Rey, Jimmy Zito and Frankie Lane.

In 1948 he met and later married Margaret Lois McIntosh. Deryl went into business with his father, owning and operating a Texaco service station in Southern California. In 1953, he went to work for Union Oil of Southern California, and became the regional real estate representative, continuing his career in the oil business until retiring in 1978.

Deryl enjoyed watching football and golf, a good time at the racetrack, trapshooting, an occasional trip to the casino,  and continued his love of music.

In 1989 Deryl moved to Coeur d’Alene,  and was introduced to a group of local musicians who shared his love of big band music.

 He married Ruth A. Crandall in 1994, and played with the Swing Street Big Band for several years.

Deryl is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Linda Sprague of Colorado Springs, Colo.;  daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Mike Icardo of Hayden Lake; grandchildren, Travis Icardo, Shannon Sprague, and Carrie Call; and seven great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Ruth and his grandson Jason Wayne Sprague.

At Deryl’s request, there will be no service. His final resting place will be Grandview Memorial Park in Glendale, Calif.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Deryl’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.