"Craig & Luann.... so sorry to hear about your father. Richard was a great man,with a good heart! May he Rest in Peace."
In loving memory of
Richard "Sparky" Sparks
June 14, 2012
Richard "Sparky" Sparks, age 75, of Quincy died Wednesday, June 13, 2012, at 8:45 pm in St. Louis University Hospital.
Sparky was born March 4, 1937 in Shelby County, Missouri, the son of Henry and Virginia Byars Sparks. He married Nancy Mitchell August 18, 1961 in Central Baptist Church. She survives.
At an early age he was baptized in a farm pond in Shelby County. Before moving to Quincy he was a member of the Prairie View Baptist Church near Hunnewell, MO. He joined Central Baptist Church in 1978 and served on various committees; the Board of Trustees, the Transportation Committee and was on the board of deacons.
Sports was a big part of his life. In the 1960's he managed the Quincy City Basketball League and the church softball team, he sponsored and played on many softball and basketball teams. Due to ill health he was unable to play in recent years, and yet he managed the Pete Million softball team. For several years he bowled on the Monday Night Men's League at the Tangerine Bowl. He and his wife Nancy participated in the YMCA Couples Volleyball League for 27 years. In 2008 while hospitalized he was visited by Scott McNeil, the originator of the Gus Macker Tournament and was informed he was the oldest player to participate in the tournament.
He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal baseball fan and was given the opportunity to throw out the first pitch in July of last year. He also was an avid Quincy High school basketball fan. His biggest enjoyment was watching his grandsons participate in sports in Edwardsville.
From 1972 he was co-owner of Sparks and Wiewel Construction Company retiring in 2004.
In addition to his wife, Sparky is survived by his daughter, LuAnn (Mike) Siebers of Edwardsville; a son, Craig of Quincy; 5 grandsons, Ryan, Marc, Richard, Nick and Jake Siebers, all of Edwardsville, IL; a brother Larry (Brenda) Sparks of Hannibal; two sisters, Nancy (Larry) Voepel of Center, MO, Elaine (Jim) Greening of Woodbridge, VA; a sister-in-law, Judy (Joe) Knapp and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.
SERVICES: 10:30 am Tuesday, June 19 at Central Baptist Church with Rev. Wayne Lock officiating
Burial will be in Greenmount Cemetery.
VISITATION: 4-7 pm Monday, June 18 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home
MEMORIALS: Central Baptist Church
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.
Tributes
"The Sparks & Siebers Families, We extend our sincere sympathy for your loss. Steve, Lisa, Sydney & Seth"
"The man?s hands were like rocks. His handshake was like grabbing hold of an iron vice grip. Sparky played every sport possible with my Dad for the past 45+ years. They bowled every week during the fall and winter. They played in 1 or 2 softball teams each summer. They played volleyball when they could. Sparky even put together a Gus Macker team for (what my Dad would say, too) many years. That is lots of playing, isn?t it?! But, it was more than playing, more than a hobby, more than simply a pastime. Sparky had a passion to enable such good times for his friends. My Dad and all of us are lucky and very thankful Sparky was committed to do all he did. Sparky, Nancy and their family have been such good friends and so very generous to my family over the many years. Sparky made quite an impression on me that such strength could also have such kindness. I am so thankful for that example. We are sending all our love and condolences to Nancy, Luann, Craig and the Sparks family. We are sorry we cannot be there but our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Love, Jason, Lauren, Isla and Abel Baird"
"Larry & Brenda, Nancy & Larry: So sorry to hear about your brother. Having been thru this myself I have an idea of how you are feeling. Thinking of you all. God bless."
"Dear Sparks Family, Thinking of you. We extend our sincere sympathy. As ever, Dick & Pat Wentura"
"We have such happy momories shared with Richard and Nancy over the past 50 years - will truly miss Sparky's contagious laugh and good nature!! Thanks for the momories!!!"
"What a great guy. So glad to know him and his family. Rest in Peace Sparkie. You and Dick are now both enjoying Heaven."