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Dennis Sparks Obituary

SPARKS Dennis M. Sr. Dennis M. Sparks Sr., 66, of Toledo, passed away Sunday, April 15, 2007, at his residence. He was born December 30, 1940, in Toledo and was the 13th child of George E. and Alice G. Sparks. Dennis was retired and had distinguished professional careers with The Ohio Lottery Commission, First National Bank, and was instrumental in the forming of a minority Credit Union Dennis enjoyed singing and made an appearance on the legendary show, The Apollo. He had a kind heart and entrepreneurial spirit and was the proud owner of the fledgling faith-based organization, Simplex-Multiplex. Dennis was a proud father and grandfather. He is survived by his sons with Hazel Selvey (Sparks), Dennis (Lana) Sparks Jr. of Lorton, VA and David Sparks; grandchildren, Kelly, Kennedy, Kennis and David Sparks; three brothers, Robert (Delores) Sparks, Wallace Sparks, Ronald (Rev. Shirley) Sparks; seven sisters, Betty Ward, Barbara Summers, Jean Williams, Helen (Rev. Albert) Easterly, Alice (Leslie) Courts, Phyllis Chapman, and Charlotte Kenney. Also surviving are many nephews and nieces. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, George E. and Alice G. Sparks; brother, George Sparks Jr. and sisters, Juanita Marshall and Mary Patterson. Memorial services will be held at Third Baptist Church, 402 Pinewood Ave., Toledo, Ohio (419) 248-4623, Rev. Kevin Bedford, pastor. A wake will be held 11 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 12 Noon. Elder Mansour Bey officiating. Family and friends may also join relatives at Walls Memorial A.M.E. Zion, 701 Indiana Ave., Rev. Shirley Sparks, pastor, following the memorial services. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy in Dennis' memory are asked to consider the Zepf Center. Arrangements handled by Tate Funeral Service, 1003 Broadway.

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

Published by The Blade on Apr. 20, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
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JoAnn Crosby King

April 30, 2007

To the family:
Sorry to hear of your loss. Dennis was a schoolmate. I recall his great sense of humor and memorable smile. I always look forward to running into him when i came for a home visit. May God bless the family in this time of sorrow. JoAnn Crosby King Class of 1959

Brandy Marshall

April 25, 2007

Ronald and Rev. Sparks:
Sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. May god continue to bless and keep you and your family in his loving care.
Dr. Warren S. Marshall and Staff

DAMIKA PETERSON

April 23, 2007

DAVID YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS.YOUR DAD IS NOW IN A BETTER PLACE, WITH TIME IT WILL GET EASIER FOR YOU. WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY, DAMIKA PETERSON-HENDERSON

Michael Patterson

April 22, 2007

Uncle Denny has always been my friend.I will miss him.

George Edwards

April 21, 2007

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

clara patterson

April 21, 2007

The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.

Winfor Tucker

April 21, 2007

Even though I have not seen Dennis in a number of years, I remember the good conversations and laughs we had. He had a great sense of humor and a memorable smile. My prayers are with your family.

Eisha Hearn

April 21, 2007

Mr. Sparks visited us quite often here at The Mott Branch Library. His smile and laughter will be greatly missed.

Richard Patterson

April 21, 2007

Denny will be missed. I hold some great memories in my heart of Denny. We lived next door to each other on Lawrence Ave., 1968-69 and we had some good times together. He was my inspiration in dressing, he was always a sharp and clean dresser. He drove a green and white Thunderbird, worked at the bank, sang like a songbird. He was one cool uncle. I will miss him. As a matter of fact, three weeks ago being home for my mom's funeral (Baye) Denny and I along with many family members had a really good and fun time together. He was very articulate in expressing himself. He could have been anything he wanted to be. I can see him in heaven just talking, singing and just having a grand old time.

HOWARD KINNEBREW

April 20, 2007

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.

HOWARD KINNEBREW

April 20, 2007

Dennis surely will be missed by a lot of people. It was an honor to be his friend. I know I will miss him.

Queenie Davis

April 20, 2007

I send my deepest sympathy to you and your family David, you will always be in my prayers. God bless you. Queenie Davis

Phyllis collier-Orr

April 20, 2007

My deepest sympathy to Alice and family. Dennis and I attended school and worked together many years ago. He was a very special person and he will be missed.

Annette Savage

April 20, 2007

My prayers and sympathy are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Remember, that God is just a prayer away. Lean on Him and He will give you the strength that you need.

Diane Brooks Mueller

April 20, 2007

I remember a very scary ride from Jackson, Mich; with my grandparents, my mom and Uncle Denny. As my grandmother sat next to my grandfather (driving on the expressway for the first time), Uncle Denny, mama and I were huddled in the back seat of the car praying. We held hands and repeated the Lord's Prayer all the way home. When we got back to 834 Fernwood, Denny burst out of the back seat and fell on the ground yelling "I am home!"

He is home now and stepping lively. Thank you Hazel for letting me share a very special prayer that comforted the three frighted ones.

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