Paul Sprehe

Paul Francis Sprehe, Sr., 82, passed away January 12, 2013 in Oklahoma City, OK. The oldest son of Francis Louis Sprehe and Estella Marie McGuire, he was born August 8, 1930 in OKC. He attended Rosary School and Classen High School and was an Eagle Scout. Awarded a full scholarship by the US Navy to attend the University of Oklahoma, Paul majored in Mechanical Engineering and also studied Naval Science. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, Alpha Phi Omega, the Engineers Club, and captain of the NROTC Rifle Team. After graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the US Navy, serving on the destroyers USS Twining and USS Hopewell (Chief Engineer) during the Korean War. Following the war, Paul continued as a member of the Navy Reserves, eventually retiring at the rank of Lt. Commander. Paul soon began his career as a Consulting Engineer, eventually establishing PSA Consulting Engineers in OKC in 1971. He was very active in the American Consulting Engineers Council, serving as Treasurer and later as National President of ACEC, an honor which he treasured as the high point of his professional career. In 1995 he retired from PSA and continued to work part-time providing a wide variety of specialized engineering service to clients. A lifelong resident of Oklahoma City, save his naval years, Paul was always active in the community. He served on the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City Finance Committee, the Mental Health Assn of Central OK Board of Directors, Bishop McGuinness High School Building Committee, Kiwanis and many others. One of his favorite activities was singing with the OKC Barbershop Chorus, the OK Chorale. He enjoyed his family, loved to play golf, and traveled to many faraway places. Paul was such a character. He thrived in the company of friends, enjoyed a good laugh, and had a love of singing that was only outweighed by his love for his family. He will be especially remembered for the songs that were always on his lips, as though they were part of his breathing. While he could be quick-tempered at times, he was more teddy bear than grizzly bear. He was loved deeply by all who were blessed to know him. Paul was married to Beverly Jordan in 1951 and they welcomed 8 children to the family. In 1973 Paul married Montine Price; together they added a daughter. Additionally, Paul had the joy of helping Montine raise her 3 sons. Survivors include his children: Mary (Steve) Mangus, Paul, Jr. (Kris), David (Terri), Betsy (Ken) Currey, Jeni (Bill) Fair, Nancy, Jane (Bill) Alley, Tim (Tara), and Tia (Brad) Adams, as well as stepsons Steve (Ann) Foerster, Stan (Lisa) Foerster, and Scott (Lani) Foerster. He has fifteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren (and another two on the way) and numerous nieces and nephews; he has 7 step-grandchildren. His surviving siblings are Tim (Elaine), David (Lynn), Stella Deal, Chris (Donna), Steve (Kay), Andy, and Sam (Pam). Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Montine, his parents, brother Daniel, brother-in-law Charlie Deal, and nephew Danny. Visitation will be at Smith-Kernke, 14624 N. May Ave, on Wednesday, January 23 from 6-8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am, Thursday, January 24 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 8005 Dorset Drive. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either of the organizations Paul devoted his efforts to: Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School or to the Mental Health Association of Central Oklahoma, or to a charity of your choice.