Thomas T. Sparks

Thomas Taylor Sparks, 69, Parkville, MO, passed away November 13, 2011 at his home. In keeping with Tom’s wishes, there will be no formal services. The family will receive visitors on Friday, November 18th from 1-3 PM at the Weatherby Highlands home. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the St. Vincent dePaul Society at St. Therese Catholic Church, 7277 NW 9 Hwy, Kansas City, MO 64152.

Tom was born June 1, 1942 in E Chicago, IN. He was a lifelong Northland resident, graduation from Park Hill High School in 1960, and receiving his BS degree from Kansas State University in 1964 where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. Tom married Mary Beth Buchanan on July 25, 1964. They had one son, James Taylor Sparks. Tom was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed fishing and hunting, often with his longtime friend David Nuckols.

From 1965-1982 Tom was in commercial sales with Mobile Oil Corporation. He left to join and later purchase Clark-Timmons Oil Corporation in Blue Springs, MO. After retiring, Tom enjoyed many hours with his three grandchildren at their various activities. His family was always important to him, attending birthdays and special occasions for all of his nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. His other passion in life was for his dogs and his cockatoo, Willie. Tom lived life to the fullest –growing old but not up. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Katherine Sparks; and brother-in-law, Bill Ihrig.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Beth; son, James Taylor Sparks, DVM; three grandchildren, Patrick, Sean and Cara, and their mother, Beth; sisters, Christine Ihrig, Plantation, FL and Mary Kay Crossley (Gary), Liberty, MO; sister-in-law, Judy Hubble (Duane), Riverside, MO; and many nieces and nephews.