Raymond Lee Sparks, “Sparky,” 82, went to be with the Lord on February 8, 2024 at Lutheran Hospital, Ft. Wayne, IN.
Raymond was born on July 18,1941, to Waymon and Irene (Whitaker) Sparks in Cookeville, TN. He was a hard worker and loved his family very much. He retired from Lear Corp. in 2002. Raymond never knew a stranger, and his wife would tease him that he could talk for twenty minutes to the wrong number. Raymond loved the Lord and all of His creatures, especially the stray cats he fed and loved dearly.
Raymond came from a big family. He was one of eleven children: Dean, Martha, and Francis all survive, and preceding in death are David, Geneva, Riley, Roseanell, Hollis, Mary, and Johnny.
Raymond had five children, Geneva (Scott) Monroe, Denver, Kenneth Sparks, Sacramento, CA), Pamela Sparks-deceased, Daniel Sparks (Cookeville, TN), Micheal Sparks (Peru). He had six grandchildren, Beth-Ann (deceased,) Amy, Christopher Sparks, Patrick Grubbs, Amber Sparks, and Geniva Sparks; and three great-grandchildren.
In 1987, Raymond married Karin (Settles) Sparks and welcomed three step-children, Greg (Joan) Hill (Peru,) Deborah (Brian) Thompson (Unionville, IN,) and Lisa (Rodney) Easterday (Bunker Hill). He also gained three step-grandchildren whom he treated as his own, Erica (Joshua) Walker (Bunker Hill,) Zachary Schmith (Bunker Hill,) and Chloe Hentgen (Amboy,) and one step great-grandchild.
Raymond was loved by all who knew him and will be dearly missed.
The family will celebrate his life without any formal services. McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, has been entrusted with arrangements.
