Harry D. Sparks

Harry D. Sparks MARION-Harry D. Sparks, 83, of Marion passed away at 9:49 AM, Friday, September 11, 2009 in Marion. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 19, 2009 at the Zion United Church of Christ in Marion with Reverend John Holst officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, Friday, September 18, 2009 at the church and from 10:00 Am until the time of the service on Saturday. Blue Funeral Home in Marion is assisting the family with the services. Military rites will be held at the church by VFW Post 1301, American Legion Post 147, and the National Guard. Memorials may be made to Zion United Church of Christ; envelopes will be available at the church or may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, PO Box 411, Marion, IL 62959. Harry was born February 19, 1926 in Marion to Harry C. and Mildred N. (Dunnom) Sparks. He married Doris L. Schafale on May 16, 1948 in Marion; she preceded him in death on May 11, 2002. He later married Nancy (Wieldt) Davis on November 16, 2002 in Marion and she survives. Other survivors include his children, Gregory and Catherine Sparks of Durango, Colorado, Christopher and Pat Sparks of Marion and Kathy Lilly of Marion; grandchildren, E.J. and Livy Sparks, Erin and James Sparks, Scott and Rosa Sparks, Matthew Sparks, Cody Sparks, Jennifer Peilter, Jacob Davis and Rachel Davis; great grandchildren, Asa Sparks, Maelee Sparks, Kendyl Sparks and Mason Philpot; sisters, Norma Wheeler and Donna Zemit; step-children, Rebecca Lynn Davis, Curtis Anthony Davis, Patricia Ann Davis, Lisa Davis-DeMattei and John William Davis; twelve step-grandchildren; and four step-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife; son, Scott Eric Sparks; daughter, Jameela Nicole Sparks; son-in-law, John Lilly; and brother-in-law, Paul Wheeler, Jr.. Harry was a member of Zion United Church of Christ. He served his country with the United States Navy during World War II from 1944 to 1948 in the South Pacific as a Motor Machinist. He worked in area companies as a Tool & Dye Maker and retired as a supervisor. He also owned and operated Sparks Mowing Service until retiring in 1988.