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BORN

1932

DIED

2010

Willard Sparkman Obituary

WILLARD DALE SPARKMAN Born on February 18, 1932 in Mineral, Washington and passed on September 24, 2010. Resident of Murrieta, CA for the past 12 years and Temecula for 28 years. Will was an avid aviator and lover of flying. He was an aeronautical engineer (retired) by profession. He built and flew model airplanes as a hobby with close friend, Art Claessen. Willard has a Bonanza Aircraft he kept hangared at French Valley Airport and would meet his son, flying buddies and war veterans every Saturday for lunch and flying stories. The County of Riverside Board of Supervisors named the entrance to the airport "Sparkman Way" for his many contributions to the establishment and support of general aviation in our region. He served in the Navy during the Korean War on the USS Hornet Aircraft Carrier. He was honorably discharged in 1955. Willard was proud to serve his country with all four of his brothers serving in all three wars and all who preceded him in death. Willard gave generously to charity over his lifetime. he had a great sense of humor and many close friends. Willard is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Joan Sparkman; daughter, Margaret Menninger and son-in-law David Menninger; son, Steve Sparkman and daughter-in-law Bonnie; grandson, Michael Menninger; granddaughter, Kelly Egan and husband Ryan Egan and two great-grandsons, Nathaniel and Jackson Egan. He had a very special and close relationship with his son Steve as they shared their love of flying and being together. He has been a member of Hope Lutheran Church for 40+ years. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice of the Valley be considered. A visitation will be held at Hope Lutheran Church, 29141 Vallejo Ave., Temecula, CA on Thursday, September 30, 2010 at 9:00am, followed by a service at 9:30am. A graveside service will follow at Riverside National Cemetery at 12 noon.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Press-Enterprise on Sep. 28, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Willard Sparkman

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Elisa, Joshua, & Jason Sparkman (Ron's kids)

October 10, 2010

Aunt Joan and family,

You are in my thoughts and in my heart. Uncle Will's warmth will be treasured and remembered always. We find comfort to know he is with our Grandpa Ernie and the rest of the unforgettable Sparkman brothers, content with the wonderful lives they led, the love they shared, and the Sparkman legacy that lives on.

October 7, 2010

Dear Joan and Family,
I'm so saddened to hear of Uncle Wills passing. He is with our Holy Father. And is with all of his brothers and parents... I bet they had one heck of a party! I can just see them laughing at Uncle Pauls jokes. Uncle Will will be missed by many. My prayers are with you, Joan to find strength and comfort.

Donna Harris

October 2, 2010

Ms. Joan~
Now that Mr. Will is pain free you know the Lord has a "to do" list for him. When the Lord calls you.....you know He needs the help He knows Will can provide. Deepest sympanthy ~

Ron and Donna Perry

October 1, 2010

We are deeply saddened to hear of Will's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Will was the first pilot I met in Temecula and we shared a long time friendship sharing our adventures and love for flying. God Bless you and your family, and may he now rest in peace.

stephen wacknitz

September 30, 2010

Dear Joan, Sylvia and I wish to express our condolences over Will's passing. He was truly a first class gentleman who will be missed by all. His smile, presence, and witty charm always added to any occasion. May God be with you during this difficult time. Steve and Sylvia Wacknitz

Marti Treckman

September 29, 2010

Dear Joan, I am sorry to hear of Will's passing. He always had a smile on his face, and I know you will miss him. What a blessing you were to each other for so many years, and you will always be able to hold those memories in your heart.

The Temecula Sunrise Rotary Club sends its deep sympathies to you, our past president. If there is anything you need, Rotary is there for you.

Yours in Rotary Service,
Marti Treckman

Marti Treckman

September 29, 2010

Dear Joan, Will was a fine man, and I am glad you were blessed to have had so many happy years together. You will always have those special memories.

I never saw Will that he didn't have a happy smile, no matter what the circumstances.

We at Temecula Sunrise Rotary send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We love you!

Jim Wolf

September 29, 2010

Dear Joan,
As you know, Will and I were good friends, and I will deeply miss not being able to visit with this outstanding man when I am in California.
My sympathy to you and your family.

Wendy Lesovsky

September 29, 2010

Joan and Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Will's passing. You and your family are in my thoughts. The community has lost a great person.

marinos haftopulos

September 29, 2010

Dear Joan,
I am Marinos Haftopulos and along with my wife Carol are deeply sorry of Will's passing. Will is in better place now where there is no pain nor sorrow but everylasting life.
Will was my first suppervisor when I hired at Rohr, fresh out of college. He was my mentor and my confidant and we kept in touch with each other thru the years. For Will my nickname was always MCH. Great man and I will miss him.
Our deepest sympathy.
Will's Friend, MCH

Christina Nichols Gold Star Mother

September 29, 2010

Joan and family: There are no words or platitudes that can temper your pain. I can't think of anything in life that could be more painful, then the loss of a loved one.

I would, however, like to take a moment to remind you that as deep as the hole in your heart feels at this time, it will be filled over time with the wonderful times spent together.

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal" ~From a headstone in Ireland

Thank you Will for your service to our nation, and it's people, you are a hero to all.

Always,

Patricia Fullington

September 28, 2010

Dear Mrs. Sparkman, I send my condolences and, also, my gratitude to you and your husband for the ways you have contributed to the Temecula Valley. As a teacher at Sparkman Alternative Education Center, I am one of the many who have been blessed by the time and talents you have expended on our behalf. My family and I will keep you in our prayers in the coming days.

Don and Mary Hitzeman

September 28, 2010

Dear Joan, We send our condolences on the loss of your dear husband, Will. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers, that our Lord may comfort and guide you in your grief and continue to give each of you hope in the joy of the Resurrection and eternal life with Him. Don and Mary Hitzeman and Family

Katie Manning

September 28, 2010

Dear Joan, I am sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. ~Katie Manning

Michael Maas

September 28, 2010

Joan:
Russ just informed me of Will's passing. I want you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. My best wishes to you and your family

Russ Bloyer

September 28, 2010

Dear Joan, Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of Will, your lifelong "pal" and husband. My prayers are with you and your family in this period of grief. God Bless you. Russ Bloyer, Maas Companies.

September 28, 2010

Hi Joan,
Sue and I are very sorry to hear of Wils passing but we know that he had suffered enough and is now resting peacefully.
If there is anything we can do for you please don't hesitate to call on us.
Your friends,
Ron and Sue Guerriero

Vicki Powszok EDA Aviation

September 28, 2010

Dear Joan and family,

It saddens me deeply to hear of Will's passing. He was a fixture here at French Valley Airport for so many years and I always felt honored to know him. I was very happy when we named the entrance road after him as I felt he contributed so much to this "family" of aviators. He will be missed by so many people here. What I will remember most is his kindness and how he always had a smile on his face. He will always be one of my favorites.

My deepest sympathy to you and your family.

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