Atlee W. Sponseller

Atlee W. Sponseller, 82, of Niles, died 9:36 AM Friday, January 5, 2007 at Forum Health - Trumbull Memorial Hospital in Warren. He was born August 22, 1924 in Paris, Ohio, the son of Arthur Ray and Gladys (Haynam) Sponseller. Mr. Sponseller served with the Navy Seabees, 18th Special Battalion in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He worked as an electrical engineer and as maintenance general foreman for RMI Titanium for 25 years. He had also worked for Patterson Emerson Comstock for 11 years. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Warren, a 60-year member of William McKinley Lodge #431, F&AM, in Canton, and a member of the Wayne Township Antique Engine Club. He was an amateur ham radio operator and amateur astronomer, and also enjoyed fishing and boating. He was very proud of the time he volunteered with the Ohio Reads program through Washington School in Niles. Surviving are his wife, Lydia Lockowitz Cibella Sponseller, whom he married April 20, 1985; his children: Alan W. (Debra) Sponseller of Cleveland, Ray S. (Joyce) Sponseller of Bristolville, Dennis R. (Susan) Sponseller of Champion, and Mary Jeanne Hutchison of Cortland; two stepsons: Dr. Vincent (Susan) Cibella of Cortland, and Kenneth (Elizabeth) Cibella of Howland; 14 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; a sister, Marilyn J. (John) Baker of Louisville, Ohio; and a brother, Robert L. (Carol) Sponseller of Cincinnati. Preceding him in death are his parents; his first wife, Mary M. (Edwards) Sponseller, whom he married September 26, 1948 and who died January 8, 1984; a daughter, Jodelle Sponseller, and a sister, Carolyn J. Sponseller. Services are 11:00 AM Tuesday, January 9, 2007 at McFarland & Son Funeral Home, with Rev. Rick Oaks of First United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will be 2:00 PM Tuesday at North Lawn Cemetery in Canton. Friends may call 1:00 to 3:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, material contributions may be made to either the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4635 Richmond Rd., Suite 103, Warrensville Heights, Ohio 44128, or to the Ohio Masonic Home, 2655 W. National Rd., Springfield, Ohio 45504. Arrangements are entrusted to McFarland & Son Funeral Home, 271 North Park Avenue, Warren, Ohio 44481. Please visit www.mcfarlandfuneral.com to view this obituary and send condolences.

Atlee W. Sponseller

August 22, 1924 - January 5, 2007