Emory Kenneth SPARKMAN

SPARKMAN, Emory Kenneth "Ken," 80, passed away Monday, November 7, 2011, at his residence after an extended illness. Mr. Sparkman was born in Plant City, Fla., December 10, 1930, to the late Emery Berts Sparkman and the late former Edna Earle Tomlinson. He was a U. S. Army veteran serving as a Military Police during the Korean War. Mr. Sparkman retired from Buckeye Cellulose Corp. in Forestry. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Perry Masonic Lodge # 123, Scottish Rite of Tallahassee, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks # 1851 and a charter member of the Marzuq Shrine. Mr. Sparkman was a University of Florida Alumni, a former Webloes and Boy Scout Master, and also worked for five years as a seasonal park ranger in the Blue Ridge National Park. In his spare time, he was an avid golfer and Gator fan. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, De Etta E. Van Antwerp Sparkman of Perry, Fla.; two sons, Kenneth Keith "Kip" Sparkman and wife, Ernestine, and Marvin Lewis "Marty" Sparkman and wife, Brenda; one daughter, Kende Susan Sparkman Bodiford and husband, Scott; six grandchildren, Eric Zachary Sparkman and wife, Kera, Erin Jennifer Sparkman, Christina Van Tassel and husband, Brian, Kenneth Sparkman and wife, Frances, Sean Padgett and Josh Bodiford; and five great-grandchildren, Colby Sparkman, Hunter Sparkman, Ashlee Sparkman, Amber Van Tassel and Corbin Van Tassel. A Masonic memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 11, 2011, at Joe P. Burns Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor James Taylor. You may sign the guestbook at www.joepburnsfuneralhomes.com