Donald J Sparks

Born December 8, 1949 in Peoria to Donald W. and Melva (Owens) Sparks, he married Charlotte Means on June 25, 1987 in Peoria. She survives.

Also surviving are one son, Jason (Trina) Sparks of Peoria; one daughter, Darby (James) Morris of South Fulton, Tennessee; one stepson, William Means of Mississippi; five grandchildren, Ashley, Daniel, Aron, Anna and Aidan; one sister, Wanda Mensen of Green Valley and six nieces and nephews. He also leaves a childhood friend of 60 plus years, Mark Ingersoll and another close friend, Richard Pettijohn.

His parents preceded him in death.

He was a United States Army veteran of the Vietnam War.

Don was a self-employed house painter for 30 years, retiring in 2015.

Don enjoyed fishing and canoeing. He was a fan of the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Cubs. Don never knew a stranger.

He attended Christ Lutheran Church in Peoria.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 26, 2019 at Christ Lutheran Church in Peoria. The Rev. Karl Eckhoff will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin, and also from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church. Burial will be in the Lutheran Cemetery in Peoria. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army and the Tazewell Military Rites Team.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Lutheran Church Bible Class, 2020 West Malone Street, Peoria, IL 61605 or to the General Wayne A. Downing Veteran’s Home, 403 South Olive, Peoria, IL 61605.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com