Dr. Robert Lee “Bob” Spraggins, 68, of San Angelo, Texas, formerly of Sedalia, died Wednesday, April 18, 2007, at Kindred Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona.
He was born Feb. 18, 1939, in Sedalia, a son of William Arthur and Esther Louise Kurtz Spraggins. On Nov. 25, 1987, in Denver, Colo., he was married to his loving and attentive wife, Gabriela Andrea Solis, who survives of the home.
Mr. Spraggins was a 1957 graduate of Smith-Cotton High School and served in the
U.S. Army. He received his bachelors and masters degrees from Louisiana Tech University, where he played trumpet and college basketball. In 1970, he received a PhD in chemistry from the University of Oklahoma. He is accredited with several patents and was a pioneer in the field of Mass Spectroscopy.
His career moved him to many places, including California, New Jersey, North Dakota, Colorado, and Arizona, but his home was always Texas. Upon retiring, he
purchased the historic Lee House in San Angelo, Texas, and began renovations. He spent the majority of his time in San Angelo and wintered in Phoenix, Arizona.
He spent long hours researching genealogy and had planned to write a book. He and
Gaby loved to travel together, and generously hosted many visitors in their home. He was a Deacon in the Presbyterian Church in Denver, Colorado. Bob cherished his family. He was a very unique and unforgettable person who will be greatly missed.
Also surviving are a daughter, Robin Lee McCord, and her husband, Tom, of Humble, Texas; two sons, William Robert “Bill” Spraggins, of Glendale, Colo., and Leslie
Brewton “Les” Spraggins, of Mesa, Ariz.; and one grandson, Austin Jeffrey Peters, of
Humble, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, William Robert and Arthur Edward Spraggins.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 26, 2007, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Ken Tatkenhorst officiating.
Pallbearers will be Bill Spraggins, Les Spraggins, Bob Freund, Harry Satterwhite, Jerry
Greer, Bill Chambers, Sonny Newman, and Richard Parkhurst. Austin Peters will be an
honorary pallbearer.
Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, with military honors conducted by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2591.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Heckart Funeral Home.
