Eli M. Spratt

Eli M. Spratt, 72, of 1113 Monroe St., Galesburg, died at 1:11 a.m. September 9, 2006 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria. He was born on February 13, 1934 in Hannibal, MO the son of Milo and Mary Lee Goings Spratt.  He married Carolyn Cole on June 17, 1961 in Plainville, IL.  Surviving are his wife, 2 sons; R. Dale Spratt of Galesburg, and Kent Spratt of Houghton, IA.  1 daughter; Mary (Tom) Gehring of Galesburg.  2 brothers; Howard  Lee (Sherry) of Ewing, MO., and James Spratt of Durham, MO., 1 sister Ruth (Joe) Wicox of Decatur, IL.  Also surviving are 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild; and  best friend, his beloved dog Buckwheat.  He was preceded in death by 1 sister and 1 grandson.  He worked as a farmer and trucker for Thompson Farms in the Galesburg area for 30 years.  He served in the U.S. Navy from 1955-59 and was stationed on the USS Ticonderoga.  He was a member of the Coldbrook Christian Church where he served as a deacon.  He was a member and past master of Alpha Lodge #155 A.F.& A.M., Galesburg, he was also a member of the Scottish Rites Bodies, Valley of Moline.Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, September 12 at Watson Funeral Home.  Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m.Monday, with Masonic Rites at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Hope Cemetery in Warren County, with military rites being conducted by Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post #285.  Memorials may be made to the CHIP program.