Walter Neal Sponseller, 73, of Iola, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, December 5, 2012, at the Allen County Hospital. Walter was born April 26, 1939, in Iola, the son of Harvey Neal and Anna Elizabeth (Myer) Sponseller. He grew up and made his home in Iola where he worked as a painter for Layles and later on his own. He is survived by a sister, Bonnie Stout Perkins and husband, Dick, a brother, Marion Sponseller all of Iola, KS, and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Curtis Sponseller, sister-in-law Marilyn Sponseller, brother-in-law Ron Stout and his companion of 40 years Dorothy Friend. Cremation has taken place and a private family inurnment will be in Highland Cemetery in Iola, at a later date. Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, assisted the family. Online condolences for the family may be left on this website, www.iolafuneral.com.