July 29, 1942 broadcast pioneer and US Army Air Forces Captain Jerome Derby Sproul dies while serving in North Africa.

Better known as Derby Spoul (his mother’s maiden name was Derby), he was born in Pueblo in 1907. He worked for KOA radio where he wrote and produced the program “Light of the West” before going to KDKA Pittsburgh. He returned to Denver where he was production and program director for KLZ radio.

Derby’s brother Edward worked at KOA, and their father A.E.Sproul worked for the Denver Post. Derby also had done marketing for Lakeside Amusement Park.

We honor the memory of Derby Sproul, as well as the many broadcasters that served in the military (especially during Workd War II) and all who have served our country. We remember.