Carl Gordon "Doc" Sparling

Carl Gordon "Doc" Sparling 1932-2015
83, of Cadiz died Monday, Aug. 17 at 2 pm, at the Kingston Residence of Marion, Ohio. Carl was born May 28, 1932 in Ravenna and grew up in Bellaire. He was the son of the late Carl and Inez (Gordon) Sparling. After graduating from Bellaire High School, he served in the US Navy from 1951 to 1955, stationed in Guam during the Korean War. After his military service, Carl married Donna Kay Tolbert in 1955. She preceded him in death in July of 2013, after more than 57 years of marriage. They had four children, Brian (Laurel) of Marion, Stephen (Terri) of Ravenna, Michael (Gay) of Baltic and Susan Sparling of Worthington. Surviving in addition to his children, are sixteen grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and a brother, Thomas of Suffolk, Va. Preceding Carl in death were his wife, Donna, and a sister, Marian Carter of St. Louis, Missouri.
Carl graduated from The Ohio State University School of Veterinary Medicine, and was a practicing veterinarian in the Cadiz area from 1962 to 1992. After retirement, he continued a limited practice in the Bellaire / Wheeling area for a number of years. Carl was an active community member, including one term as a Harrison County Commissioner, and serving as a volunteer fireman. He also participated in numerous plays in Cadiz, Deersville, Weirton, Steubenville and Wheeling. Carl was also an active member of Scott Memorial United Methodist Church, 817 East Market Street, Cadiz. A memorial service will be held there at 1 pm on August 29. The family will receive friends at the church from noon until the time of the service. Cadiz American Legion Post 34 will conduct military honors at the church.
In accordance with Doc's wishes and his lifelong commitment to medicine, his body has been donated to The Ohio State University College of Medicine. Donations in memory of Carl can be made to the Fulani Grazing Project - dedicated to helping Nigerian cattle herdsmen become more productive. Donations may be sent to Fulani Grazing Project; c/o International Child Care Ministries; 770 N. High School Rd.; Indianapolis, IN 46214, or via their website: https://give.fmcusa.org/donation/memorial-giving The family is being assisted by the Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com
Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home
740-943-2121