Dempsey Gaylord Sparks, age 80, of Dayton, Ohio passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025 at Hospice of Dayton. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dorothea Sparks and two brothers; Wayne and David Sparks, as well as a sister-in-law, Susan Sparks. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Fran Sparks, as well as three sons: Kevin (Sherry) Sparks, Kelly (Tammy) Sparks and Michael Sparks and partner Christine. Two brothers also survive him: Stephen (Laura) Sparks and Barry Sparks, as does a sister, Carol Mains. He is also survived by thirteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, as well as numerous other relatives and friends. He was an avid tennis player who loved mowing the lawn and his dog, Sasha. He was retired from the American General Insurance Company. Visitation will be held at the Tobias Funeral Home Beavercreek Chapel on Thursday, February 20 from 11:30 AM until 1 PM; the funeral service will be held at 1 PM, immediately following the visitation, with interment in Mt. Zion Park Cemetery to follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his memory to either Hospice of Dayton or The American Cancer Society.
