Dennis Eugene Sparks

Dennis Eugene Sparks
June 26, 1951 - October 10, 2024
Versailles, Kentucky - Dennis Eugene Sparks, 73, passed away on October 10, 2024 at UK Chandler Hospital after a yearlong battle with Lymphoma. Dennis was born on June 26, 1951 in Hardin County, Kentucky to the late Fred C. and Frances Sparks. He was the oldest of three siblings, followed later by two more adopted siblings and too many foster siblings to count. He married Donna Elaine Paschall on May 20, 1972 in Youngsville, North Carolina. He attended the University of Kentucky where he earned a degree in Chemical Engineering. He worked at the UK Center for Applied Energy Research for more than 46 years. There Dennis acted as a mentor to the foreign exchange students that he worked with, taking them under his wing and helping them adjust to American life. He was a World War II aviation enthusiast and an avid model airplane builder and collector; His vast collection includes several models on display in the Aviation Museum at the Bluegrass Airport. He was known to family and friends as a giving man with an amazing sense of humor. One of his greatest joys in life was hearing a new Dad joke and spreading it to as many people as possible. Dennis loved animals, especially his pet birds. He always cared for the strays around his home and work. He was described by one of his doctors as a "singular personality" and this was certainly true. He was a kind and gentle spirit and his loss will be felt by so many.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 52 years, Donna; their children Greg Sparks (Linda Dalton) of Lexington and Amanda (Kevin) Mosher of Nicholasville; his siblings: Gary (Markie) Sparks of Magnolia, Colleen (Jay) Wright of Fayetteville, GA, and Tony Sparks; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Dennis was preceded in death by his sister Monica Underwood (2014) of Greensburg.
No funeral services planned. There will be a memorial gathering on November 9th from 2-5 PM at Dennis and Donna's home: 463 Duell Dr, Versailles, KY 40383. Please come by at any time during this window to help us celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, his wife asks that you make a donation to your local Humane Society in his honor.
Care Cremation and Funeral Service is honored to be entrusted with final care.