SPRADLIN, Melvin

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Posted: Thursday, March 21, 2013 - Melvin (Mel) Richard Spradlin peacefully passed away Feb. 17, 2013 with his family by his side. Melvin was born November 3, 1954 in Anderson, Ind. to Robert and Edna May (Mills) Spradlin. Mel came to Arizona as a student at DeVry University. Upon graduation, Melvin made Arizona his home. He was proud to be a part of the computer-engineering department at ASU. Then he discovered ATA Taekwondo. His love and dedication to taekwondo led him to an early retirement from ASU to move to Lake Havasu City and open his own ATA school — Spradlin’s Taekwondo. His passion and joy for taekwondo helped him change many lives for the better. Upon hearing of his passing one of the Masters of the ATA said, “Some people practice Martial arts, some people learn it, but Mel lived it in his soul.” Mel was an avid pool player and enjoyed playing in his league with his pool buddies. There was only one love in life greater than the ATA to Mel and that was being a father. Mel leaves behind step-son, Kyle Burnes and son, Marcus Spradlin who gave him the greatest joys life could give. He also leaves his sister, Maribeth (Spradlin) Watson and brother, Michael Robert Spradlin; nine nieces and nephews, as well as several great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Robert Spradlin; mother, Edna May (Mills) Spradlin and sister, Carolyn (Spradlin) Hallgarth. Mel’s presence will be greatly missed but we know he will always be with us in spirit. A Memorial/Celebration of Life will be held at The Office Sunday, March 24 at 1 p.m. We will be having a Taekwondo Memorial Hike in May to honor Mr. Spradlin’s taekwondo years. Donations may be made in Melvin’s honor to Hospice of Havasu, P.O. Box 597 Lake Havasu City, AZ 86405. Thoughts and condolences can be sent to Melvin’s family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com