Marcus “Sparky” Sparks
Graveside services for Marcus Sparks, 80, West Plains, Missouri will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, November 2, 2014, at Bly-Big Springs Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Sparks died at 7:35 p.m., Tuesday, October 28, 2014, at his home.
He was born August 10, 1934, in Yadkin County, North Carolina, to Hugh and Grace Sparks. While serving in the United States Army, Sparky was stationed in West Germany on the border patrol. He moved to Peoria where he met and married Betty Lou Marshall of Hocomo, Missouri and worked at ABC washing machines. He spent twenty-six years as a switchman at the Rock Island Railroad. Betty Lou and Sparky retired in 1994 and moved to West Plains to catch the big bass in the Lakes of Arkansas. On July 31 the couple celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Lou Sparks; three children, Kim Sparks, Kathy Sparks Edwards and Curtis Sparks, wife, Tiffany; seven grandchildren, Marcus Sparks, wife, Tiffany, Emily Fisher, husband, Jason, Megan Beize, husband, Joe, Caleb Edwards, Abby Sparks, Andrew Sparks and Marshall Edwards; six great-grandchildren, Morgan Sparks, Jayley Fisher, Addison Fisher, Lydia Fisher, Madison Beize and Calvin Fisher; two brothers, Wayne Sparks, wife, Betty and Ricky Sparks, wife Judy; and one sister, Edith Brammer, husband, Woody.
His parents and one son, Douglas Reese Sparks , precede him in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Saturday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Bly-Big Springs and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Erin (Presley) Morey
November 1, 2014 @ 6:28 am
Betty Lou and family,
So sorry to hear of Sparky’s passing. I have so many wonderful memories of the both of you and your long friendship with my Grandma Dean and Del. As a child, I used to love when I got to sit with all of you when you would meet at Newell’s for coffee. Some of my fondest memories are of spending time at your cabin and all of you teaching me to play canasta. I can still hear Sparky talking to you, Betty Lou, calling you ‘Miss Sparks” but then he always was quite the gentleman and a gentleman knows just how to treat his lady! My prayers are with all of you. Much love to all!
Erin (Presley) Morey
Russ Heisel
November 1, 2014 @ 2:56 pm
Dear Betty & Family,
I was so sorry to hear of Sparky’s passing. He was truly one of the good-ole-boys. I always enjoyed being around him and chatting. I’m sure he and Doug are arguing about something or anything at this time as much as laughing with and at each other. I still miss and think of Doug very often as well. I won’t forget either of them.
My very deepest and heartfelt sympathies to you and the whole Sparks family. Russ.
Marvel Knobloch
November 2, 2014 @ 8:48 pm
Betty & Family: So sorry to hear of your loss. Just wanted to let you know we will pray for you and Yours Betty. Bob & I are doing OK. We both turned 85 this year and things move a little slower now days. Kent celebrated his 60 th birthday this year. Don’t know where the time has sneaked off to! Would love to see you Betty, if you are ever in the area give us a call. We have good memories of your time at ACHH. Lots of Love Bob & Marvel