Richard H. Sparks Sr., 83, of Toledo, passed away Saturday, January 1, 2011 at University of Toledo Medical Center. He was born in Toledo, Ohio on October 24, 1927 to William H. and Loretta A. (Robinson) Sparks. On August 15, 1952, he married Peggy Cook and she survives. Richard was a longtime member of Martin Luther Lutheran Church where he served on church council and the property committee. He was employed with Sun Oil Refinery as a machinist for 42 years, retiring in 1992. Richard was a Boy Scout leader for many years and was an avid crafter of stained glass, making many lamps for family and friends. In later years, he volunteered at Mercy St. Vincent Hospital, enjoyed watching NASCAR, and was a stock car driver in his early years. Richard was known for his relentless humor and ability to fix anything. Richard was grateful to be a heart transplant survivor for over 22 years. Richard and Peggy spent many hours volunteering for charity events involving Transplant Recipient International Organization and Life Connection of Ohio. Richard is survived by his wife of 58 years, Peggy, children, Judith Ann (Michael) Honsberger of Valrico, FL, John Joseph Sparks, and Ruth Ellen Nicholas of Twin Bridges, CA; grandchildren, Sarah (Jamie) Thompson, Emily (Eric) Spiker, Claire (Jamie) Crawford, Harrison, Madelyn, Joseph Heston, Logan Richard, Daniel, Elaina, Max, and Ellie Nicholas, and Nicholous McClusky; great-grand-children, Abigail and Molly Marie Spiker; brothers, William (Lucille) of Venice, FL, and James of Perrysburg; and sister, Ruth Utter. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, and loving family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Richard Jr., and sisters, Cecile, Lorena, Ruby Jean, and Marilyn. Friends may call at Eggleston Meinert Pavley Funeral Home, Oregon Chapel, 440 S. Coy Rd at Starr Ave. on Wednesday, January 5th from 2:00-7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 a.m. Thursday in Martin Luther Lutheran Church. Interment will follow at Willow Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Martin Luther Lutheran Church, 601 Nevada St., Toledo, OH 43605 or Life Connection of Ohio, 3661 Briarfield Blvd., Maumee, OH 43537. The family wishes to thank the staff of University of Toledo Medical Center for their care and compassion they showed Richard. www.eggleston-meinert.com
Published by The Blade on Jan. 3, 2011.