Milton L. Sprowl, born April 15, 1921, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2017, surrounded by his wife of 65 years, Joan E. and their daughter, Jennifer. Surviving him are his children, Milton, Joanie (Kim) Haverstick, Matthew (Sharon), Jennifer (Randall Saks), Mitch, and John (Marie-Lise Lipchik). Grandchildren, Lukas, Karl, Jacob, Timothy, and numerous nieces and nephews. Milton grew up on a farm in Preble County, was high school class valedictorian and started his undergraduate studies at the University of Cincinnati. His college studies were interrupted by service in the US Army Air Corps where he received specialized training with one segment at Yale University, later serving as a Captain in the European Theater. Following an honorable discharge, he earned his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Cincinnati. For the next four decades he devoted his life to the service of his family, church, clients, and community. His family is extremely proud that Milton was awarded the Citizen’s Legion of Honor Award in 1978, given to one outstanding citizen annually for community service by members of the President’s Club. Milton loved the study of history, music, politics, science, and literature, especially Shakespeare. His children were fortunate to be the recipients of their father’s insights regarding life’s vicissitudes and challenges and discussions regarding wide-ranging topics. Milton was warmly and deeply respected by the legal community, including lawyers, judges and those who worked in the courts and affiliated offices. In the teaching nature of our father, a poem studied in the eighth grade that held special significance for him, by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, will be shared. The poem beautifully describes the river of life flowing into the ocean of death and the hope that the transitioning soul may come face to face with the Pilot, our Creator:
Sunset and evening star
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho’ from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.
Dad
You made it “crost the bar.” I know that the multitudes are standing on that far shore and welcoming you home!
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Sprowl family during this poignant time of celebrating the well lived life of Milton. May you all draw peace and solace from his favorite poem which so beautifully reflected how he chose to live
A beautiful reflection on a clearly much loved human being. Thinking of your family as you both celebrate his life and mourn his loss.
Warmly,
Leslie (friend and student of Jennifer)
Milton, my deepest condolences to you and your family. How joyous that he has met his Pilot. Blessings and prayers to you and your family.
Our deep heartfelt sympathies to the Sprowl family. Peace and comfort to you all.
Milton, your Dad was a member of The Greatest Generation. Such a beautiful tribute, you certainly must be very proud. Sadly, we are saying goodbye to him and all the others from that era as they go “crost the bar”. My condolences to you and your family.
In syzygy – with the Guiding Light. In synchrony, to the Creator’s Universe. With sympathy – Dad, we miss You.
Dear Joan E. and family,
Please know that my prayers are with you as celebrate Milt’s life and mourn his passing.
May God’s comforting hand hold you gently,
Hi joan
Heard from my mother about your loss. I feel bad that this has happened. I enjoyed meeting you and playing cards with you. I hope that you get to greave and remember all that was good. be strong and kick some stuff in cards.
player of cards
Jasen Golden (Jo Jordans son)
What a wonderful life! So sorry for Joanie and family
Dear Jeann-la,
Very sorry for your loss. Your dad was quite a pillar of the community. With deep condolences, Yosh
So sweet, a genuine, honorable, noble man,. My sincere sympathies to all of you who were blessed by his life.
Dawn Meadows
I do not know your Dad, Jennifer, but I know YOU, so I know he was great human being, with loving heart and strong magic soul. Not everybody could be granted 96 years!!!! Now when his mission , is over he come back home….truly home !
My deepest sympathies to you and all Family.
With love and admiration,
your Friend Elizabeth B.
I will miss my grandfather dearly. He always kept his mind engaged and he had deep empathy for everything living. I will treasure my memories of him and our times together forever.
My condolences to Grandma
Love,
Lukas