Willie Eugene Sponsler

Lima

Willie Eugene Sponsler, 51, died at 1:25 p.m. Oct. 29, 2009, at St. Rita’s Medical Center, following an extended illness.

He was born Nov. 27, 1957, in Lima to Jerry Sponsler and Viola Patrick, who preceded him in death. His stepmother, Betty Sponsler, survives in Edgerton.

Mr. Sponsler shared a great love of his family and his cats, especially his beloved cat, Dorothy.

Survivors include four sisters, Melissa Coulon, of East Palestine, Ohio, Michelle Sponsler, of Bryan, Donna (Leroy) Byrne, of Lima, and Christina Barraco, of Bryan; two brothers, Johnnie (Carla) Zimmerman, of Lima, and Kenny Sponsler, of Cleveland; several aunts and uncles, including Morris “Junior” Sponsler, of Lafayette, Ernie Sponsler, of Lima, and Johnnie Patrick, of Van Wert; three cousins, including Francis Wireman, of Roundhead; and 18 nephews and nieces and 24 great-nephews and -nieces.

He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Donald Zimmerman; his grandparents and several aunts and uncles.

Memorial services will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday at Grace Community Church, Bryan. Pastor Michael Kelly will officiate. Burial will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Condolences may be expressed at www.krillfuneralservice.com.

Arrangements are by Krill Funeral Service, Bryan.