H. Wayne Sprawls

H. Wayne Sprawls, 89, a longtime farmer in the Casa Grande and Cibola valleys, died on March 30, 2015, at Family Tys Assisted Living Home in Casa Grande.

Mr. Sprawls was born on Sept. 26, 1925, to Harry W. and Emma Sprawls in Flagstaff. He grew up in Tucson and joined the Navy during World War II. He trained as an airplane mechanic and was stationed on Saipan. Farming, flying and creating a better way to do things were his passions. He was one of the first farmers to use laser leveling to conserve water and went on to win several awards for conservation.

He helped start Ak-Chin Community Farms and Gila River Farms as well as the farming enterprise of Colorado River Indian Tribes. His love of flying and thrilling plane rides inspired many to get pilot’s licenses. When a bridge at Cibola was flooded out in 1976 by Hurricane Kathleen, he spearheaded the effort to build a 400-foot concrete and steel bridge over the Colorado River that stands today. He loved to take family members on fishing and sightseeing trips for their enjoyment and was a generous man always willing to lend a helping hand.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia Ann of Cibola; two daughters, Kathy Chilton of Tucson and Debra Haught of Casa Grande; a son, Greg Sprawls of Blythe, California; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Theda Biggs, Mary Lane and Shirley Martin, and a daughter, Pam Naumann.

A private service is planned at 1 p.m. Friday in National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, in Phoenix.

Donations may be made in his name to: Seeds of Hope, 702 E. Cottonwood Lane, Casa Grande, AZ 85122.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel is in charge of arrangements.