Richard A. Spradley

Richard Alvin Spradley, 79, Passed away at his home in Merrillville on April 10th ,2020 after a long battle with congestive heart failure surrounded by loved ones. Richard was born in Madison, Wisconsin to the late Alvin and Doris Spradley on May 21st ,1940 and an older brother to Susan Almarez. He is survived by the love of his life, Judith Chenoweth Spradley whom he was married to for 59 years and his beloved children Melinda Galante (Jennifer), Lori Carpenter (Brian), Ruby Thomas (Tony), grandchildren Logan (Bonnie), Quentin, Rachel and Kyle and great-grandchildren Trevor and Ellianna. He was raised in Gary, IN and graduated from Eddison in 1959. At 16 he met Judy and they would cherish the next 63 years together. After high school he went on to attend Ball State University’s School of Education in Muncie, Indiana where he had his first daughter, Melinda, and graduated in spring of 1963. After graduating he moved to Merrillville and began a 42 year long and fulfilling career of teaching middle school math and science and adult education at the Gary career center. He was a hardworking person who worked any job that would support his family; he later received his master’s degree in education and never stopped teaching people around him life lessons. He had a passion for helping others but a bigger passion for his family. His daughters became his greatest joys and he devoted their years of growing up to coaching Merrillville Girls Softball and bowling at Stardust. As the family grew with the addition of grandchildren, so did Richard’s devotion to his family: never missing a football game, swim meet, concert, or activity. “Whoever goes, gets” was a classic phrase used by Richard. The phrase, which as a child, meant getting treats, but the phrase for him was another way to spend a little extra time with his daughters and grandchildren. Richard was a man of endless stories, some of which contained only nuggets of truth. Stories were a large part of his connection to others and he never met a stranger. Whether it was a trip to the grocery store or a family vacation to Disney World, Richard would find or be found by someone he knew. He was a selfless man whose generosity knew no bounds as his large personality was equally matched by his willingness to give to others. He dedicated his life to others but never missed a weekend of golfing or fishing trips. Richard’s love of fishing began with his father and continued into his adulthood with annual fishing trips with friends or trips to Boaters’ Beach with his family aboard his boat the “Mo Lo Ru”. As “pop” he was a maker, character, and comedian. He made incredible artwork and puzzles with his favorite sponge bob tattoo on his arm. He made people happy and smile, making a friend out of everyone he met. He made a loving family and served as an example to many of compassion, devotion, and commitment. His dedication to family was only eclipsed by the 63 year relationship filled with laughter, joy and gambling. Their love was a testament to love itself, demonstrating to all who knew them that love triumphs at times of hardships and blossoms during times of the greatest joys. Due to COVID-19 we are unable to have a funeral and our family is just asking for prayers during this hard time a memorial will be held at a later date. www.burnsfuneral.com

Richard A. Spradley

May 21, 1940 - April 10, 2020