

Albert Edward Sparks, Jr., went home to the arms of Jesus on Thursday, January 16, 2014 at The Ohio State University Medical Center. He was born on December 30, 1932 in North Tazewell, Virginia to the late Albert E., Sr. and Eula M. Sparks. A loving Husband, Dad, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle and Friend, he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Doris Sparks; children Tonda (Matt) Kiffin, Albert E. (Lea Vinson) Sparks, III, Melissa (Darren) Shutler, Krista (Brad) Hobbs, Amanda (David Lang) Sparks and Ryan (Jackie Boggs) Sparks; grandchildren Madison, Brooke, Olivia and Ethan Shutler; siblings Dorothy Fuller, Robert (Betty) Sparks, Shelby (Jeannie) Sparks; brother -in-law Jim Graham; sister-in-law Joyce Sparks; many nieces and nephews. He is also preceded in death by siblings John L. Sparks, Sally Mae Graham and Jack Sparks; brother-in-law Harold Fuller.
A veteran of the US Army, he served during the Korean War, where he was awarded the Silver Star, and the Military Decoration for Exceptional Service or Acts of Courage or Devotion, which was awarded by the Kingdom of Belgium. After 46 years of dedicated service, he retired from Buckeye Steel Castings, as a General Manager in the Pattern Shop. Just until two years ago, he participated in, and enjoyed, playing softball. He was a former member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of German Village. The leagues he played in included: the Southside Industrial Fast Pitch League where he was a star pitcher, and the Central Ohio 70’s Senior Softball League. He was also an avid bowler. He enjoyed mechanical challenges, and as an avid tinkerer, he could fix just about anything.
His family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday at Schoedinger Worthington Chapel, 6699 N. High Street in Worthington where his life will be honored with a Funeral Service which will be held at 10am, Wednesday, January 22, 2014. Interment to follow at Blendon Central Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation at www.myasthenia.org. in his memory.
SHARE OBITUARYSHARE
v.1.18.0