Lester Ray Sparks

Mr. Lester Ray Sparks, age 88, of Louisville, passed peacefully at home following heart failure, surrounded by his loving family and friends. He received exceptional care from Hosparus, whose compassionate support helped make his final days peaceful and comfortable.

Lester was born in Lynch, Kentucky, on October 14, 1937, to the late Stanley Sparks and Callie Halcomb Sparks. He was Protestant by faith and devoted much of his life to his family, his work, and his community.

Lester was a longtime employee of Ford Motor Company, where he worked from October 10, 1966, until his retirement on January 1, 2003, retiring as an ESSP Representative, a position he held since 1991. He was also a dedicated member of the United Auto Workers (UAW), serving as Recording Secretary from the 1970s through 1991. His commitment to his fellow workers continued through his many years of service with Autotruck Financial Credit Union. He was on the Supervisory Committee from May 1973 until he was elected to the Board of Directors, where he served from April 1980-1991. From 1991 until 2017, he served as Secretary-Treasurer. Although he officially retired from Autotruck in April 2019, he remained involved as a Board Member Emeritus.

In addition to his parents, Lester was preceded in death by his loving wife of 69 years, Patricia Dixon Sparks; his brother, Kenneth Sparks; and his sister, Martha Kaelbli Erickson.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter, Libby Davis; beloved son-in-law, Leonard Davis; grandchildren, Jessica Davis and Andrea Davis; great-grandson, Andrew Davis; brother, Howard Sparks; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Lester will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his years of service to his coworkers, and the many lives he touched throughout his long and meaningful life.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2026, in the chapel of Schoppenhorst, Underwood and Brooks Funeral Home, 4895 N. Preston Hwy., Shepherdsville, Kentucky. Family and friends may pay their respects on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service at 6:00 p.m. with Rev. Wayne McCoy officiating.

Private interment will be held at Brookland Cemetery on Monday, September 14, 2026.