Edmond "Ed" Sparks

Ed was born on June 13, 1939, in Wolfe County, Kentucky, and was raised by his foster parents, James Asbury and Lyda Banks, in the hills of eastern Kentucky. From early childhood, Ed loved horses — riding them, trading them, working alongside them — and he remained a horseman until the end of his life. To those who knew him, Ed was a true American horseman and cowboy.

At seventeen requiring his father’s signature, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a helmsman aboard the aircraft carrier USS Midway.  After his discharge, Ed moved to Indiana, where he made his career as a welder. He retired from Delaware Machine and Tool in Muncie.

Ed met his wife, Jan, in Kentucky, and the two were married on June 25, 1962. Together they raised three children and built a home grounded in faith, hard work, and family. Jan preceded him in death on April 9, 2010.

He is survived by his children, Jama (James) Marlow, June Binion, and Dustin Sparks; his grandchildren, Lani Richey, Aaron Marlow, Malory Sparks, Corey Binion, Hanna Sparks, and Gerrit Sparks; thirteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

A devoted Southern Baptist, Ed's faith was the foundation of his life, and his church family at North Delaware Baptist Church meant a great deal to him. He loved camping and long trail rides with his buddies at Whitewater State Park, and any team of mules he kept was always named Jack and Jill. He was a natural storyteller, quick with a joke — including a favorite about a gator painted to look like a dog — and never short of a "Man-O!" when something caught his eye. Though he never sought the spotlight, he had a way of bringing people together wherever he went.

Although Ed will be deeply missed, his loved ones find peace in knowing he is reunited with those who went before him and is now at home in Heaven with the One who saved him and called him to glory. "Good night,Dad. Love you. See you tomorrow."

Visitation will be held at Elm Ridge Funeral Home, 4600 W. Kilgore Ave, Muncie, IN 47304, US, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

Visitation will also be held at North Delaware Baptist Church, 809 E Royerton Rd, Muncie, IN 47303, US, on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am, with the Funeral Service following at 10:00 am.