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Central High School Indiana Wesleyan University

FUNERAL HOME

Sunset Funeral Home, Cremation Center & Cemetery

1800 St. George Rd.

Evansville, Indiana

Daniel Sparrow Obituary

Daniel K. Sparrow
Evansville, Indiana
Daniel "Coach" Sparrow, 53 years old, lost his battle with cancer and went to his field of dreams January 28, 2014 with family and friends at his side. Dan was born August 23, 1960 to the late Sam and Fay (Carlile) Sparrow.
Dan was a 1978 graduate of Central High School, 1983 graduate of UE with a BA in education and earned his maters in education from Indiana Wesleyan in 2001. Dan taught and coached at EVSC North High School for 29 years. He was assistant football coach for 12 years and basketball for 5 years. He was an assistant baseball coach for 4 years and the head coach for 25 years. He loved Cardinal baseball, IU basketball, Jeopardy and his faithful sidekick, Bella.
Along with his parents, Dan was preceded in death by a stillborn son. He is survived by son, Zach and daughter, Jessa, stepson, Nick (Stefanie) Brown, step-daughter, Kayla DeWeese, 2 step-granddaughters, brothers Dennis Sparrow and David (Robin) Sparrow, nieces and nephews, a great niece and a great nephew, and caregivers Jeff May and Kathy Brown-Sparrow.
The family would like to thank Sonya Williams (our rock) and Dawn Hoffman of Heritage Hospice along with the staff at Charlier VNA Hospice; Dr. Ahmed and oncology nurses Brooke and Mary. You are all angels on earth.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you get a colonoscopy. We would also prefer a written story/fun memory on 8.5 x 11 paper to create our Book of Smiles or donations to the American Cancer Society, YMCA Camp Carson, or to your favorite hospice.
Friends may gather with the family from 12:00pm to 3:00pm on Sunday, February 2, 2014 at Sunset Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will begin at 3:00pm. A private burial service will be held at a later date.

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

Published by Courier Press on Jan. 30, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Sparrow

30 Entries

February 3, 2014

As one of his students, I can say that I always looked forward to seeing Coach Sparrow at NHS. He always made my day brighter. My sympathy and prayers to his family.

Brian Reed

February 3, 2014

I was deeply saddened by the news of Dan's passing. Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. We were cousins and words cannot express our sorrow. Danny will be truly missed. Forever Remembered, Forever Missed

T. Drew Hardin

February 2, 2014

This is a sad day for me. I am shocked and stunned by this loss. Anybody who knew Danny Sparrow knew he had the heart of a teddy bear, the smarts to succeed, and an intense will to win. I remember when we were both at Central High School and you could tell he was going to go on to bigger and better things. Later, when he coached at North High School, he was a major reason for North's academic and athletic successes('95 State Runner-Up in football, '96 Blue Ribbon School come to mind). I had the privilege of seeing one of my own play baseball for Coach Sparrow. Boy, you could feel his tenacious competitive spirit during the game, again one of the major reason for North's winning baseball programs. One thing I liked was how he spearheaded the construction of a baseball diamond out at McCutchanville that the Huskies could call their own after years of frustration of not having a place to practice(believe me), let alone play. If something isn't named after him(i.e., ball diamond, street leading to North High School, etc.), it would be a grave injustice. I remember talking to Coach Sparrow after a hard-fought victory against Bosse over at the Youth League Field behind Bosse Field and he was still talking baseball. He just loved the game and had a brilliant mind for it. More importantly, he loved life. Jeff and Kathi, you are in my thoughts and prayers and though my resources are limited, if I can still do anything please do not hesitate to ask. My cell phone # is 1-502-321-8611 and my e-mail address is [email protected]. Danny is in a better place right now. God bless him and his family.

Brent Fleming

February 1, 2014

I'll always remember Danny as a nice and personable friend. We went to school and played ball at the firebarn as kids. My prayers are with his family.

Brad Allen

February 1, 2014

I was deeply saddened about hearing about Danny. It has been years since I have seen him. I grew up with him. Those who know him then and now understand what a great person he was. By reading all the wonderful dedications is a testament to his legacy. I will personally miss you but you are in a much better place. I wish his family all the prayers in the world. God Bless...

January 31, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with Dan's family. Dan was one of the first teachers we hired at North after I became principal and he proved to be a very positive influence and a good role model for students at North.
Jim Sharp

January 31, 2014

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Chris Roe

January 31, 2014

I was saddened to hear of Danny's passing at such a young age. I remember playing basketball against Danny in grade school (Highland vs. Stringtown), and then playing football together at Central. I only saw him on occasion, when I came back home to Evansville, but from those that knew him in his adult life, it sounds like he touched many people in a great way. My prayers are with his family!

Megan

January 31, 2014

Coach Sparrow was an awesome man! You could tell he really loved his job and cared about his students. I honestly don't think anybody could have taught gym better than him! May you rest in piece and fly high with the angels above and shine your bright smile down on us. Prayers go out to the sparrow family! so sorry for your lost.

Lee Ann Buckwinkel

January 30, 2014

Coach Sparrow truly cared for not only his players but all students at North. He will be greatly missed. Heaven has gained an Awesome Angel.

Susan Bala (Kollker)

January 30, 2014

I can't tell you how many countless smiles Danny put on my face years ago while working together at Camp Carson. I reached out to him recently on FB only to have him make me smile and laugh again. I can only imagine the loss that you must feel. I never understand why the great ones get taken from us. I am truly sorry.

January 30, 2014

As a teacher and Asst AD the last 13 years of my teaching career,I had the good fortune to be associated with a great staff at North HS. There were many fine teachers and coaches on staff and Dan Sparrow was one of the best.My prayers go out to the family as he will be missed. Ed Rusk

Keith Kim Ahrens

January 30, 2014

Thoughts & prayers are sent to the family. We're here if you need us....

January 30, 2014

Alot of childhood memories with you, your family and friends are in my prayers
Amy Barrett

Billy Mattingly

January 30, 2014

I just want to give my respects to Coach Sparrow is what I know him by he was probably one of the best gym teachers that we could have asked for I hope fly's high with the angles and I do give my respect to the families of Mr. Sparrow You are gone but you will never be forgot rest in piece :)

January 30, 2014

Nothing Beautiful In This World Is Ever Really Lost Those We Cherish Will Always Live On In Memory.

With Deepest Sympathy,
Deaconess Home Medial Equipment and Infusion Staff

Brandon

January 30, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the Sparrow family. I never had him as a coach at North, but I knew him and he was a great guy. He was a great coach and mentor to all his players. You will always be remembered.

January 30, 2014

Blessing to you all as you deal with the tremendous loss of Dan. He was such a positive personality and will be greatly missed. Always here for you in any way!
The Hahn's
John, Jill, Camden and Caiden

Marlissa Hughes Stauffer

January 30, 2014

To Dan's family - I taught at North years ago, and when I read this morning of Dan's passing, a picture of him smiling was strong in my mind - a gentle smile that made me feel like we were part of the same team as we worked together at North. Praying for you today as you grieve the loss of one who made others feel like part of the team.
-Marlissa Hughes Stauffer

Sharri Garrett-Nulton

January 30, 2014

MR. Sparrow Was Always Someone I Could Depend On To Make Me Smile! His Never-ending Smile Was Infectious, And Just Made Me Feel Good...And As A High School Student With Problems At Home, That Was A Great Gift! My Prayers To All Of His Family And Friends! May You Find Peace In The Knowledge That He Is Now Your Guardian Angel!

Timberly Brinker

January 30, 2014

Kathy words can not express what a great man, coach and friend Danny was. You are a strong lady keep your held held high, remind the kids what a great mentor their dad was to many many people. I'm a phone call away. Heaven gained an amazing angel.

Charlie Sininger

January 30, 2014

Prayers and thoughts to Dan's family. I had at the honor of knowing Dan and his parents for most of my life. Dan and I attended Stringtown and Central together, we played little league baseball and basketball for Stringtown. We played basketball at 'The Firebarn'. Although it has been years since I have seen Dan, I read about him on CourierPress website. Heaven is a little richer having a new citizen there.

January 30, 2014

Thoughts and prayer to Coach Sparrows family. May he rest in peace. He was a great coach, teacher, and friend. He was my freshman basketball coach, and baseball coach. Thank you Coach Sparrow for all you have taught all of us. We will always remember you.

Tim Maurer

January 30, 2014

I was part of his 1989 team. He was a very good mentor and role model. He was definitely a positive influence in my life.

The Rushing's

January 30, 2014

Our families thoughts and prayers are with your family. My boys thought the world of Dan and you to Kathy.

Suzanne Sherrod

January 30, 2014

Coach Sparrow was one of the nicest people you'd ever meet. Always had a smile on his face and had the greatest laugh. He thoroughly loved his job and he's the reason I can properly throw a football :-) He was just an all-around nice guy and he will be missed.

January 30, 2014

I just wanted to say thank you Mr. Sparrow. I always appreciated your sense of humor and the way in which you motivated me to be the best I could be in your class. May God bless you and your family.

Whitney Lee

January 30, 2014

Mr. Sparrow was such an amazing teacher! Though I never had the chance to actually be a part of his classes I always enjoyed when my class and one of his would co mingle. He has truly touched the lives of so many students. He will be greatly missed! </3

Whitney Lee

January 30, 2014

Mr. Sparrow was such an amazing teacher! I never had the opportunity to have him as my teacher directly but I always enjoyed any gym period I had with his class. He was soo kind and really made a difference in so many kids lives! He will be greatly missed! <3

janet rodgers

January 30, 2014

I grew up with Danny and his brothers,when he lived on Mill Rd.My dad would always get on them for climbing our fence.We used to walk to Stringtown together..I remember his dad always playing some sport in the backyard with them boys.. i loved my childhood he was a big part of it.. God Bless his children and family...

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