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Thomas Sparks Obituary
his wife Roberta, daughters Deborah and Barbara and son-in-law Michael by his side Monday April 14, 2008. He was born on March 15, 1931 in Wayne County, West Virginia. Tom was a
veteran of the Korean War and upon his return to the states he married and moved to Columbus, Ohio. Tom was a 30 year employee of the Timken Roller Bearing Co. in Columbus, Ohio. He was served as Second Vice at the American Legion Post 430 and also volunteered at the VFW post until moving to Arizona to be closer to his daughters in 1993. Once in Arizona he worked for Fry's Grocery Store until 2002. Apart from his love to spend time with his family, Tom enjoyed westerns, fishing, the occasional trip to the casinos and the family pets Max, Misty and Chloe. He was in awe of the scenic beauty of Arizona and loved being outdoors. Tom was a loving son, a wonderful husband, the greatest of fathers, a grand friend and a good co-worker. Tom was also a caring and supportive brother, uncle and grandfather. He touched a number of peoples lives over the years and he will be missed by many. Tom is preceded in death by his parents Dora and Kelly Sparks, brother Melvin Sparks and sister Glenna Nye. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Roberta Sparks, his daughters Debbie Jones and Barbara Williams, his son-in-law Mike Jones, his sister Marylee Craig, his 2 grandsons David and Michael Jones. Tom also has family, many nieces, nephews and in-laws in the eastern states. Cremation with no formal services will be followed by a get together at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Cancer Society or The Liver Foundation.
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Sparks
Sponsored by Debbie Jones and Barbara Williams.
Sandra S Hedges
April 23, 2025
We were just talking Uncle Tom yesterday, miss his sense of humor.
JAMES SHAW
May 29, 2008
Uncle Tom was a GREAT Man!!
He was always more than willing to help me with my 1st car and would always have steel marbles for me when we came to visit. We used to watch football games together. I remember when talking with him he would use the word 'honey" alot.
He was a very kind, generous and down to earth person. I wish my wife "Loren" could have met him.
Barbara Williams
May 21, 2008
Daddy.
I have postponed writing this not wanting to say goodbye, however had I missed the opportunity I wouldn't have ever forgiven myself. I felt as though signing off in this guest book was like saying goodbye. I now realize it's the opposite. It is proof through the ages of the love we shared. Proof that I knew and felt the unwaivering support you showed me, certainty of the unconditional love I always received
from you and that promise we will be
there waiting for the reunion which is God's promise. Until that day
My Love Always
Barbara
RUBY KINCAID
May 21, 2008
GARRY AND RUBY KINCAID would like to give our greatest sympothy and love yo you and your family. know the pain is deep .god is so loving and merciful he will carry you through .I know the days and nights will get so lonley .family and friend will be there for you .i know uncle TOM will be missed by many loved ones .it was nice talking to you . hope to see you soon .you are in my prayers love you. GARRY AND RUBY.
Charlie Swain
May 20, 2008
Tom will be missed.I know how you must feal. i never knew tom but his family was one of the nicese folks i have ever met. may God bless you all.
Sue Reed
May 16, 2008
Neal and I wish to send our sentiments to Tom's family in the loss of their husband, father and grandfather. In the days to follow the family will have days that they will ask: Why does each day begin with heartache? Why can't we laugh as we used to do? Why do all our dreams involve him and what keeps his name on the tips of the tongues of those left behind? We hope that in time the love that you have for Tom will replace the loneliness and that your thoughts will reflect on all the good times that you had. I'm sure Uncle Tom would want it that way. May he rest in peace and may God bless the entire family.
Love, Neal and Sue Reed
Betty Jean Williamson
May 10, 2008
I Betty enjoyed my visit with you and roberty 2003, came back in 2008 but you were missing. I wanted to make it here before your passing but unfortunately time didn't allow. I missed you. I love you very much.
Donna Converse
May 8, 2008
Dear Roberta, Debbie, Barb, Mike
We would like to express our sympathy on the loss of Uncle Tom. He was one of those rare people that always had a good sense of humor, a quick smile and a joke to share. Even now when we think of him it makes us smile. I know he will be missed by all. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers
Love,
Donna, Susan and Jenny Converse
Steph and Julian
May 7, 2008
We met Tom on our big family holiday in summer 1999. We'd heard all about him, and Roberta, from mum and dad, who came to visit Debbie and Mike each year.
He made us feel welcome, made us laugh from the first minute. Julian often says, “As Tom Sparks would say, 'if it wasn't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all!'”
One of the kindest people i have ever met, it was brief, but he made a lasting impression.
He became a good buddy of my dad, also called Tom, and i have a great image of them dosing off on hot afternoons.
Great memories, and comforting to think of the two Toms together.
Much love
David Jones
May 6, 2008
While Grandpa Tom was not my paternal Grandfather, he has always and will always be my Grandfather. Grandpa loved to go fishing, and we loved to do it with him. While I do not live in Phoenix, I'm always there is spirit. I loved Grandpa very deerly and will miss him very much. I just want to say Thank you to everyone for being so supportive of Mom and Dad during this time. I also would like to Thank God for giving me as much time as I did have with him. While he may no longer be here with us in person, I know he is always looking out for us.
Jim and Pat Albrecht
May 2, 2008
Roberta, Debbie, Barb, Mike
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.
We will always think of Tom with fondness. I'm so glad we were able to share our time with Tom.
Robert Mounts
April 30, 2008
Would like to express our deepest sympathies to Aunt Robert, daughter's Debbie and Barbara and all those who knew and loved Uncle Tommy. Will always remember Uncle Tommy with fondest memories.
Dean, Georgia and family
Dennis ashburn
April 30, 2008
sorry for your lose and ours. He was a great uncle. We all loved him and we are going to miss him.
From Gina and Mike and Denny and
Jacoh
Lynn Hensley
April 30, 2008
its sad to lose another uncle he will be greatly missed. Even though we didn't see you often we thought of you everyday.we love you all.
Josephine Mounts
April 30, 2008
sorry to hear about your loss. It's hard to lose alove one. Hope you all the best. with love.
larry & shirley mounts
April 30, 2008
Great love and respect to a great uncle and I have missed you all these many years. Wish I could have been there with you all.
Patty Bumbaugh
April 29, 2008
Roberta, Debbie, Barb, Mike
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so glad we got to share time with Tom since their move to Arizona. Tom was a kind and gentle person. He thrilled Adam & Eric the day we spent in his wood shop making wooden toys. They thought he was the greatest ! We enjoyed the Christmas times we all got to share. We will always think of Tom with fondness.
We send our love to the special ladies in Tom's life.
Patty, Ray, Eric & Adam
Gloria Roys
April 29, 2008
Roberta, Deb, & Barb you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Uncle Tom was a special person and our family will always have great memories of him. Love, Bill & Glo
sandy hedges
April 29, 2008
Our loving thoughts are with you. We will miss Uncle Tom. He was a wonderful uncle to me.
Cece West-Brown
April 29, 2008
Some people you forget- Tom is someone I'll always remember- very easy going and just plain fun!
My deepest sympathies to Roberta, Deb, and Barb.
Much love- Cece
MARY HELEN BALL
April 29, 2008
I AM SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. IT IS SO HARD TO GIVE UP SOMEONE THAT YOU LOVE. REMEMBER THAT I LOVE YOU ALL, AND GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU
Donna Paul
April 29, 2008
Deb,
The photos of your Dad are great and it looks like he had a wonderful life in AZ. My heart goes out to you, your Mom, Barb, and your entire family.
Love you,
Donna
Russ and Sharon Thacker
April 29, 2008
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Shirley Shaw
April 28, 2008
To a wonderful uncle that will be dearly missed by everyone who touched his life.. Tom was such a caring person. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. Our memories of Tom will live forever in our heart.
James Ball
April 28, 2008
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
BRENDA MCINTOSH
April 27, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
James Ball
April 27, 2008
So sorry to hear about the loss of Uncle Tom, my thoughts and Prayers are with you
Brenda McIntosh
April 27, 2008
YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS. LOVE YOU ALL.
Dad and Mom on New Years Eve, with friends at the American Legion
April 27, 2008
No fish today, but what a great day
April 27, 2008
Fishing at Canyon Lake
April 27, 2008
Debbie Jones
April 27, 2008
Dad loved to go fishing
Debbie Jones
April 27, 2008
We love you and miss you.
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