Robert Dale Spradlin, 90, of Springfield, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at 7:15 am. He was born July 11, 1933, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Richard and Mary (Weatherly) Spradlin. Dale, as he was known by all who knew him, is survived by his loving wife of eighteen years, Helen Spradlin; son, Doug Spradlin and wife, Natalie; son-in-law, Ron Campbell; grandchildren, Audra Thomas, Jessica McKeever and husband Jared, Pamela Mahajan and husband Ashish, Nicholas Spradlin and wife Tonya, and Martha Grace Spradlin; great-grandchildren, Garrett McKeever, Lily McKeever, Bodhi Mahajan, Kian Mahajan, and Miles Spradlin. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Dale tremendously. Dale was preceded in death by his beloved wife of fifty-one years, Frances (Shayhan) Spradlin; daughter, Teresa (Spradlin) Campbell; parents, Richard and Mary; brother, Dick Spradlin and wife Johnnie; sister, Jeanne Spradlin and husband Louis; brother, Loren Spradlin and wife Pearl; and many other loved ones that he missed dearly.

Dale attended Springfield Central High School. He was a skilled educator and musician, and was eager to teach and entertain others when given the opportunity. He had a brilliant mind for electronics, numbers, data, literature, and music. Dale spent much of his younger years working at his family-owned Spradlin Fruit Market. He then worked for Zenith for many years, while also teaching evening classes at Ozarks Technical Community College. Later in life, he and his wife worked together for Holiday Corporation, managing assisted living complexes in Springfield, St. Louis, and Normal, Illinois. He retired in 2003.

Dale married his wife, Fran, on July 5, 1952. They were happily married and lived a beautiful, long life together until her passing in 2003. He married Helen on July 16, 2005, and they spent many years together traveling, gardening, and spoiling their fur babies. He spent the rest of his years enjoying life with his loving wife, his children and grandchildren, and his treasured cats. Papa, as he was lovingly named by his grandchildren, never put himself before the needs of his family and others. This brilliant, wise, and caring man loved life and the importance of education and life-long learning. He did all he could to instill this love in his children, grandchildren, and all those around him. He made people feel important and valued when in his presence. Every person who knew Dale will miss him tremendously.

Funeral Services will be held at Greenlawn Funeral Home North on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 11 a.m., with nephew Rev. Dennis (Doc) Reynolds officiating. Graveside Services will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the SAAF Spay Neuter Clinic of Springfield, Missouri https://spayneuterspringfield.org/.