W. R. Sparks dropped dead yesterday afternoon from a lawn sent at his home in Richardson's addition, where be had been resting and whittling. He was discovered soon after. A good old man has gone. Funeral at 10 Saturday from the Baptist church, and interment at Old Memory. PAGE COUNTY DEMOCRAT, Clarinda, Iowa, Dec 5, 1907

Wm. Ruben Sparks was borne in Owen county, Indiana. May 20, 1839, and died at his home in Clarinda, Iowa, Dec. 4, at 1 p. m., 1907.
He was married to Miss Deborah Anna Williams in Boone county, la., Sept. 14, 1862. To this union ten children were born, six sons and four daughters. Thomas died in infancy. There were present to take the last earthly look at father, John C. Sparks of Glennwood Springs, Colo., Nathan O. Sparks of Ladoga, la., W. E. Sparks of Bedford, Iowa, and Ernest Sparks of this city, Douglas B. Sparks of Buffalo, Wyo. was unable to be present. Also his daughters, Mrs. Ettie Allison of New Market, Mrs. Grace McKinley of New Market, Mrs. Nancy Roberts of Harlam, Kans., and Miss Emma Hayes of this city.
Mr. Sparks experienced religion when a young man and united with the Baptist church of which he was a Godly, consistent member until called to his home above.
His death was sudden and unexpected by the family, probably at the time it came from heart failure.
The funeral service was held at the Baptist church of this place Sat., Dec. 7, at 10 a. m., an acquaintance of the family, D. W. Griffith of Watson, Mo., officiating in presence of a large company of friends and relatives of the family.
The flowers were beautiful and the singing appropriate and pleasing.
Interment took place at Old Memory cemetery near New Market, the Odd Fellows lodge conducting the services at the grave. PAGE COUNTY DEMOCRAT, Clarinda, Iowa, Dec 12, 1907

W. R. Sparks was bom in Indiana May 20th, 1839, and died in this city December 4th, 1907.

He was married to Deborah Williams Sept. 14th, 1862, and to this union were born ten children, nine of whom are still living. Mr. Sparks' father was a Baptist minister, and through his father's preaching he was converted, he and his wife joining the Baptist church at the same time.

Mr. Sparks had a stroke of paralysis about two years ago, and has been a sufferer with asthma and heart trouble the greater part of his life. On the day of his death Mr. Sparks seemed in good health and just after dinner was preparing to come down town. He had gone into the back yard and was amusing his little granddaughter, when without a moment's warning he was stricken down and died almost instantly. Mr. Sparks was of a cheerful disposition, was a good husband and father and well liked by his neighbors and friends.
The funeral services will be held at the Baptist church tomorrow morning at ten o'clock. All of the children, with the exception of one son, Douglas, whose home is in Wyoming, will be present. They are as follows: J. C. Sparks, of New Castle, Colo.; Mrs. Allison, of New Market; Nathan, of Ladoga, Iowa; Elza, of Bedford; Mrs. McKinley, of New Market; Ernest, now at home; Mrs. Roberts, of Harlan, Kans., and Mrs. Emma Hayes, who makes her home with her parents. Besides his wife and children he leaves a brother, John Sparks, who is here for the funeral, and a sister, Mrs. Sarah Phipps, both of Boone, Iowa.
Mr. Sparks had been a resident of this city for about three years, having come here from Shenandoah, previous to which time he was one of the substantial citizens of Taylor county for many years. Since coming to this city he has lived a retired life, and although not widely known was respected by all who knew him.
Rev. D. W. Griffith, an old friend of the family, will preach the sermon, after which interment will be made in Old Memory cemetery, the I. O. O. F. lodge having charge. CLARINDA HERALD, Clarinda, Iowa, Dec 6, 1907