Bob Sparks

Robert 'Bob' Sparks, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend was called to his heavenly home on January 3, 2025, at the age of 88. He had just returned home to Celina, Texas, after spending a memorable Christmas with family in North Carolina. This visit allowed him treasured time with his daughter Julee as well as several of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Bob was born to Howard and Faye Sparks on January 20th, 1936, in Des Moines, Iowa. He was the third of sixteen children and spent his growing-up years working on the farm with his family. After graduation, he served his country proudly as a soldier in the U.S. Army, stationed for a time, in Korea during the Korean War. While there, he worked as an aircraft mechanic and even considered the idea of working for a major airline after the war. However, his love for farm life won out and he returned to his Iowa roots once his time of Army service was over.
While on leave from the Army, he met his future wife, Arlene White, and in 1956 Bob and Arlene were married. Together, first in Iowa then later in Wisconsin, they raised four children: Robert David, Doug, Julee, and Melonee. From raising cattle and pigs to growing crops and fixing tractors; he did it all. He spent his days working on the land with care and dedication and became both a prize-winning pork producer and a hard-working farmer, a profession he loved deeply.
In his later years, he continued to be on the go. It might be mowing grass, working on a piece of farm equipment in Doug's shop, attending the annual Old Thresher's Event with his son and siblings, or tending a small garden. He could certainly grow the biggest tomato plants despite the Texas heat! He also looked forward to spending time with his family, often dropping in to have coffee with his granddaughter Kelsey and baby Emma or enjoying a Sunday dinner with Melonee and her family. Lunch dates were among his favorite things. When you went to pick him up you would find him in his preferred garage chair waiting for you but make sure you were on time! Throughout his life, his sense of humor never wavered. The love and laughter he brought to all things will certainly not ever be forgotten by his friends or his family.
A man of deep faith, Dad loved the Lord God with all his heart. Whether it was driving buses, teaching Sunday School, or leading as a Deacon he served in the church faithfully throughout his life. Daily Bible reading was a priority for him and, often, if you could not find him it was because he was in a quiet place reading the Bible (the King James Version of course!) and praying. His unwavering faith guided him through life's challenges, including the passing of his wife and son, and was a source of strength for those who knew him.
Galatians 6:9 states, "Let us not be weary in doing what is right, for at the appointed season we will reap what we have sown." To Bob's children and others, he always chose what was right and lived a life of conviction. To his children, he was a man who stood higher than any other; a man who lived by setting an example; a man who gave the invaluable lessons of life, and the seeds he sowed, while here on earth, will continue to reap infinitely.
He was preceded in death by his dearest wife of 64 years, Arlene Sparks, his firstborn son Robert David Sparks, grandson Joshua Timothy Dickens, his mother and father, seven brothers, and three sisters. Bob is survived by his children Doug (Laurie) Sparks of Celina, Texas, Julee Sparks Dickens of Raleigh, NC, Melonee (Jeff) Foss of Celina, Texas, eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by four brothers, one sister, and many, many nieces, and nephews.
A funeral service to celebrate Bob's life and honor his memory will be held on Sunday, January 19th, 2025, at 1 p.m. with visitation beginning at noon. The service will be held at the Ruschmeier-Smith Funeral Home, Milan, MO with interment following at the Mount Olivet Cemetery in Green City, MO. Friends and family are invited to join in this service of remembrance, as we give thanks for the life of a loving man who gave so much to his country, his family, and his faith.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, the American Heart Association, or the American Kidney Fund in memory of Robert Sparks.
We love you Robert, Bob, Dad, "Pops," Grandpa Sparks, Grandpa Bob, and Uncle Bob. We will so miss you and your quick wit. We pray that God will "heal our broken hearts and bind up our wounds" until we see you again in glory one day (Psalm 147:3). Please give hugs and kisses to all who have made it to our glorious Heaven before us and we know that God has said to you, "Well done thou good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:21)