Carl Wayne McSparin

1941 - 2024

Carl Wayne McSparin

January 24, 1941 - May 14, 2024

CHARLESTON - Carl Wayne McSparin, 83, of Charleston, IL, died at his home on May 14, 2024. He was born on January 24, 1941, to Carl and Louise McSparin, in Moline, IL. He married Marlowe Kay Jacobs on August 9, 1958, and she survives.

Carl had two children: Mark (Sara) McSparin of Morton, IL, and Matt (Mindy) McSparin of Edwardsville, IL. Carl loved being a grandpa to Amanda and Jake McSparin, Maverick McSparin, Mitch (fiancee Olivia) McSparin, and Maren (Justin) Schulz. He was blessed with three sisters: Phyllis Strafford who survives, and the late Carolyn Martensen and Charlotte Dempsey.

Carl was a high school track/football athlete having run in the state tourney in the 4x100 relay race representing Moline High School. Carl started young in banking at the age of 19 and then passed the federal bank examiner's test for the U.S. Treasury at the ripe age of 21. This experience led to his bank presidency and relocation to Charleston. He always thought that the best part of his banking was the civic and volunteer activities he participated in. He helped raise funds to save CHS extracurriculars in 1977, chaired the EIU Athletics drive on several occasions, fundraised for Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital and the Rotary Pool, and served as President of the Chamber among other civic services. Carl coached Little League and loved the St. Louis Cardinals. His most memorable experience was attending the last game of the 1964 season when they clinched the pennant.

Carl loved working alongside both of his sons. For the last 35 years, he served as CFO for his son's movie companies and enjoyed many years owning a thriving drive-in movie theater. The grandkids loved Carl's conversations, his engagement, and the unknown, like rickshaw rides in the front yard and a homemade treehouse in the back yard. Carl was always the entertainment director for family functions.

Carl called Moline, Centralia, Charleston, Olney, and Chicago home over the years.

Carl was a man who loved sacrificially and loved well. It was hard to grab a dinner check before him. His generosity was well known, often giving his last dollar to someone he thought needed it more than he did. Perhaps it came from growing up poor. He was truly a self-made man and many described him as the real article, nothing phony.

There will be a celebration of life at the Hilton Garden Inn/McKenna Yost Convention Center in Mattoon from 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 9, 2024. Food will be served from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. with a tribute starting at 2:00 p.m. Cake and refreshments to follow the tribute.

Donations may be made to Trojan Booster Club, 1615 Lincoln Ave., Charleston, IL, 61920.

To view the obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, please visit www.adamsfuneralchapel.com.