Gale Sparks

Lloyd “Gale” Sparks, 86, of Norman, Oklahoma went to be with Mom in heaven on October 6, 2023. Gale was born on December 24, 1936, to N.B. and Lola (Skaggs) Sparks in Jodie, West Virginia.

Gale was part of the Methodist Church for many years and worshiped at Good Shepherd in Fort Wayne, where he was also part of the Good Shepherd Club. He attended St. Albans High School and went on to further his education at Charleston School of Commerce. Gale married Shirley Sparks on August 22, 1959, in Alta, West Virginia. One of Gale’s many hobbies were Genealogy, resulting in his publishing The Copenhaver Genealogy after years of work. Professionally, he worked in the insurance industry at Mutual Security Life and then Brotherhood Mutual until retirement in 2001.

Gale is preceded in death by his parents; N.B. and Lola Sparks; wife, Shirley Sparks; and his siblings: Allen Sparks, Raymond Sparks, Maxine Russell, Macel Ramsey, Loraine Dotson, Jerry Sparks, and Jack Sparks.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Rebecca Case and Ann Helmkamp of Columbia City, IN and Rhonda Sparks and Nicole Fetters (the better cook of the two) of Norman, OK; sister, Peg Loyd of St. Albans, WV with whom he spoke on the phone daily; and grandchildren Andrew Case, Katie Case, Bryson Fetters, and Ayla Fetters. He leaves behind many loved nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Also important to Gale during his time in Oklahoma was the care and friendship provided by Lee Thornton. The family would also like to thank Elara Caring Hospice and Cornerstone Caregiving for their care of our father.

Memorial services will be held on November 4th at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home at 4017 Maplecrest Rd. in Fort Wayne, IN with viewing from 9AM-11AM and service to immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions go the Elara Caring Hospice Foundation of Oklahoma (https://elaracaringhospicefoundation.org/ ) or Fort Wayne Rescue Mission.