Robert C. Sparks,

VIRGINIA BEACH - Robert C. Sparks, Sr. Passed away on January 30, 2012. He was the elder son of the late Robert Lee Sparks and Carroll Yeager Sparks. He lived his early years in Pikeville, KY, then moved to McArthur, OH to live with his grandparents during the depression after losing his home in a fire. An accomplished musician, he joined the Navy in 1940 planning to attend the School of Music, but just months later, Pearl Harbor would alter his future forever. He began his career as a signalman from 1940-47, advanced to Chief Quartermaster in 1951, serving also as a navigator on the U.S.S Tanner, as the drill instructor for a Hall of Fame award-winning company, as an instructor at the Little Creek Virginia Naval Amphibious School, and finally completed his thirty years of distinguished service as Boatswain on board the U.S.S. Canisteo, having achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer Four. He took part in seven major campaigns in WWII, including the Rabaul Air Action in 1942, the battle for the Solomon Islands and the Battle of Midway, serving onboard the U.S.S. Pensacola, as well as the invasions of Leyte and Lingayen Gulf. His 13-month cruise on board the minesweeper PC1603 during the invasion of Okinawa, ended abruptly when two Kamikaze planes sunk the ship. Later in his career, he served on board the U.S.S. Boxer, which transported Marines to Viet Nam, and which participated in the recovery of the unmanned Apollo I space capsule.

He was married for over 60 years to his late, wife, the former Rose V. McMenamin, his loving and devoted spouse. Loved ones who remain to cherish his memory are his son Robert, Jr., his wife, Janie, granddaughters, Susan and Stephanie, and great granddaughters, Annie and Lauren; his daughter, Rose Thomas, her husband, Ray, and grandchildren, Jennifer, Betsy, and Brian; son, Jim and granddaughter, Katie; and daughter, Carol Presler, her husband, Rob, and grandsons, Rob, Jr. and Scott, as well as, beloved extended family in Philadelphia and California.

He was most happy behind a camera, reeling in a fish, and planting a garden full of tomatoes and vegetables. He also spent several happy years attending Sunday School class at St. John's Methodist Church, where he made many cherished friends. One word that would best describe him is SERVICE: service to his country, to his family, to his neighbor, and to his fellow man. He was always mowing lawns for needy neighbors, taking photos for weddings without a fee, giving away vegetables, and generally helping anyone who needed a hand.

The final battle of his life was waged against a relentless foe, prostate cancer; but he remained a fighter to the end, aided and embraced by the loving care of his family, friends, oncology nurses and doctors, and the friends and staff at the Beth Sholom assisted living facility, where he spent the last happy, healthy months of his life.

A Viewing will be held on Friday evening, February 3, 2012, from 7 to 9 PM at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 6329 E. Virginia Beach, Blvd., Norfolk, VA, 23502. Light refreshments will be served. A memorial service will be held at the chapel at Woodlawn Funeral Home on Saturday, February 4, 2012, at 1 PM. Interment with full military honors will follow the memorial service. Gifts of condolence may be made in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project.