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Robert Sparks Obituary

Robert L. Sparks, 86

Robert L. "Bob" Sparks, 86, Flora, died Sunday, January 6, 2013, at 12:25 a.m., at St. Elizabeth Healthcare Center, Delphi. He had been a resident there since Nov 4, 2012, and in failing health. He was born July 27, 1926, near Cutler, to the late Carl and Gladys Pritchard Sparks. His 1st marriage was to Kathryn Pullen in Cutler, on December 24, 1947, and she preceded him in death on June 20, 1967. His 2nd marriage was to Elizabeth "Libby" Carter, in Flora, on July 23, 1972, and she survives.

They had lived near Camden, on their farm for many years, and had moved to Flora almost 2 years ago. He was a 1945 graduate of Burlington High School, and was drafted into the U.S. Navy, on Dec, 1944. He served in the South Pacific Theater, and was stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, honorably discharged in 1948.

Bob farmed all of his life in the rural Camden area, raising grain, hogs, and cattle. He was a member of the Flora Presbyterian Church; Camden American Legion Post 413; Delphi IOOF Lodge 28. He and his wife enjoyed traveling and he loved Purdue University athletics. He dearly loved his wife, daughter, son, his stepchildren, and all of his grandchildren, and extended family and many friends.

Surviving: Wife: Elizabeth "Libby" Sparks, Flora; Daughter: Nancy (Bill) Michael, Camden, Son: Jerry (Karen) Sparks, Camden; Stepdaughters: Lori Brower, Flora, Cindy (Jay) Cummins, Bloomington, Mindy Langston, Fishers; Stepsons: Dick (Julie) Langston, Cutler, Bill Langston, Cutler; Son-in-law: Terry Herron, Fort Worth, Texas. 5 grandchildren; 7 step-grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 9 step-great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by a daughter, Connie; a sister, Helen, 2 brothers, Barney and Orville.

Services: Friends may call Tuesday 5-8 p.m. at Baker-Abbott Funeral Home, Flora. Funeral service there Wednesday 10:30 a.m., Rev. Chuck Compton officiating. Burial at Ball Hill Cemetery, Cutler, with Camden and Delphi American Legions, and Delphi VFW Military Rites. Memorial contributions to the Flora Presbyterian Church; or the Jackson Township Park, envelopes available at the funeral home. www.baker-abbottfh.com.

Published by Journal & Courier from Jan. 6 to Jan. 7, 2013.
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Dear Libby, Nancy, Jerry, Mindy and Cindy and extended families,

We were so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. There are a lot of great memories shared by the Dittmans and Bob, as well as, I also enjoyed being teased by Bob when I was over at your house, Libby. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers and we are so sorry we were unable to attend the viewing. Love to all! Heaven got a good one!

Patrick & Jennifer (Dittman) Leahy & Family

January 14, 2013

Dear Libby - We love you and we will miss Bob, but he is in a better place and we all hope to join him there one day! Hugs and prayers from Jenne and Jay

Jenne & Jay McMillin

January 9, 2013

Nancy, Jerry and families: My deepest sympathy to all in regard to your loving Dad. He was a special man, and like Darlene, I can still hear his laughter and his famous comment to all us girls. Hold your memories dear and know he is smiling that gracioius smile into eternity. Carol Rohrabaugh-Bingham

Carol Rohrabaugh-Bingham

January 8, 2013

Jerry and Nancy and families, I am sorry to hear of your loss. I can't make it tonight but you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Irene Pyle

January 8, 2013

Dear Aunt Libby and family,
You have our deepest sympathy at the lost of Uncle Bob. What a sweet man. I will forever hear his laugh, see his smile and remember his greeting 'Hey good lookin' (to all females).
love to each of you,
Darlene

Darlene Pilcher

January 8, 2013

Dear Libby,Jerry,Nancy,Stepchildren,and rest of the family

Oh, how we loved Bob and we have missed him for sometime,but know he is out of pain and having a good time now with his new life. We love all of you and so sorry we could not be with you at this time, but are health just would not let us travel right now, but you are in our thougts and prayers.
All our love forever,
Dick and Julia Carter

January 8, 2013

Nancy and families your all in my thoughts and prayers thinking of you all at this difficult time. Love you!
Friend nancy anderson

January 7, 2013

So sorry to hear of your loss Bob was a wonderful man who will be greatly missed Al and Pam Krysevig

January 7, 2013

Nancy & Jerry, so sorry for your loss. It is never easy to lose someone you love.

Darryl & Michelle Hill-Lybrook

January 7, 2013

Libby, Jerry and Nancy,
So sorry for your families loss of Bob. He was a good friend to me and he will be missed.
Marshall and Patsy McCammack
Sebastian, Florida

January 7, 2013

Libby,
Patsy and I were so sorry to read of Bob's death. As you know he was a good friend to me and he will be missed. Sorry we are in Florida and cannot share in the service with you and your families.
Marshall and Patsy McCammack

January 7, 2013

Jerry, Karen, Libby, and children, I am sorry for your loss. Please accept our condolences. Len McIntire

Leonard McIntirre

January 7, 2013

Jerry so sorry for your loss.Call us if you need anything.

Jake&Becky Clear

January 7, 2013

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