Theodore Allen Sparling

Theodore Allen "Al" Sparling, 71, Kokomo, finished his journey through life Monday morning, March 11, 2019, and now resides in Heaven. Born Oct. 14, 1947, in Twelve Mile, Indiana, he was the son of the late Lloyd Von and Irene Elizabeth (Murphy) Sparling. On July 3, 1969, he married Patricia Ann Wessels at Trinity Lutheran Church in Copperas Cove, Texas. In 1966, Al graduated from Kokomo High School and worked at Continental Steel from 1966 to 1986. From 1967 to 1969, he served his country in the United States Army with the 4th Infantry Division. From December 1967 to December 1968 he served in Vietnam, where he received the Purple Heart, as well as obtaining the rank of E5 sergeant. After his service in Vietnam, he spent the remainder of his time at Fort Hood, Texas. After his employment at Continental Steel, he began working at Delphi Electronics, retiring in 2008. Al is survived by his wife and best friend, Patricia "Pat"; son, Ted (Angie) Sparling, of Kokomo; daughter, Lori (Lindsay) Mauck, of Indianapolis; grandchildren, Taylor and Ty Sparling and Aiden and Anna Mauck. He is also survived by his sisters, Mabel (Vern) Lea, of Kokomo, Sharon Diceston, of Kokomo, and Beverly (Terry) Faust, of Urbana, Indiana; surviving in-laws, Jerry St. Clair, of Kokomo, Arthur Wessels, of Oskaloosa, Iowa, Jeanette Winsett, of Copperas Cove, Texas, Kathy (Frank) Kuntscher, of Pearland, Texas, Larry, Gary and Kenny Wessels, all of Copperas Cove, Texas, Cindy (Burl) Young, of Burnet, Texas, and Carol (Jody) Berger of Belton, Texas, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Al was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Ollie Lawson and Barbara St. Clair; brothers-in-law, Gerald Lawson, Bill Diceston and Ben Winsett; nephew, Gregory Joe Phillips, and very dear to him father- and mother-in-law, Emil and Mary Wessels. We are so grateful for the years we were all able to have Al and all the precious memories we have shared. And though we will miss him dearly, we are grateful to our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, for giving us time with him. We are at peace knowing Al is now where we are all longing to be, safe in God's loving arms. We will wait patiently until we are all reunited, never to part again. Al's family would like to thank the staff and nurses at Southern Care Hospice. In honoring the request of Al, there will be no formal funeral or viewing. A graveside service with military honors will be held for the immediate family, and a memorial service will be held at a later date. To leave fond memories or condolences for the family, please visit www.sunsetmemorygarden.com. Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Al to the Kokomo Rescue Mission.