William Steven Sparks

William (Bill) Steven Sparks Sr. son of Mabel Grant and James Arthur Sparks, 86, passed away peacefully after a long battle with cancer in his rural McLouth home on August 13, 2013. He was born May 26, 1927 in McLouth. Bill deeply and thoroughly enjoyed life on the farm, as driving his tractor and baling hay brought him a fulfillment to life that only one other thing could, spending time with his family. On his 85th birthday, he was surprised with the sight of a restored 1937 Farmall F-20 tractor. It was restored by his grandson, Brian, with the help of family and friends. Bill spent many years raising hogs and cattle. Throughout his life he worked for Farmers Union Co-0p., Archer Daniel Dehydrator.
He was married to his wife of 68 years, Esther Jeannette VanDyke on August 20, 1945 at Leavenworth, KS., she survives of the home. Other survivors children Sue Karmann, Steve Sparks, John (Shirley) Sparks, of McLouth, Bob (Lynn) Sparks of Oskaloosa, 14 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren, siblings Mary Woodward of Winchester, Catherine Bidding of Topeka, Clifford (Linda) Sparks of Gardner and sister in-Law,Elaine Sparks of Richmond and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, 5 brothers, 1 sister and a son in law.
Services will be 10:00 AM, Friday, August 16, at the Barnett Family Funeral Home in Oskaloosa, Visitation will be Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00PM at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the McLouth Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Assoc., The American Cancer Society, or to The Friends of Jefferson County Hospice, and sent in care of the funeral home PO Box 602 Oskaloosa, KS., 66066. Online condolences may be made at www.barnettfamilyfh.com
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