Robert ‘Bob’ Sparks, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend was called to his heavenly home on January 3, 2025, at the age of 88.
Bob was born to Howard and Faye Sparks on January 20th, 1936, in Des Moines, Iowa.
While on leave from the Army, he met his future wife, Arlene White, and in 1956 Bob and Arlene were married.
He was preceded in death by his dearest wife of 64 years, Arlene Sparks, his firstborn son Robert David Sparks, grandson Joshua Timothy Dickens, his mother and father, seven brothers, and three sisters.
Bob is survived by his children Doug (Laurie) Sparks of Celina, Texas, Julee Sparks Dickens of Raleigh, NC, Melonee (Jeff) Foss of Celina, Texas, eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by four brothers, one sister, and many, many nieces, and nephews.
A funeral service to celebrate Bob’s life and honor his memory will be held on Sunday, January 19th, 2025, at 1 p.m. with visitation beginning at noon. The service will be held at the Ruschmeier-Smith Funeral Home, Milan, MO with interment following at the Mount Olivet Cemetery in Green City, MO. Friends and family are invited to join in this service of remembrance, as we give thanks for the life of a loving man who gave so much to his country, his family, and his faith.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, the American Heart Association, or the American Kidney Fund in memory of Robert Sparks.