Donald G. Sparks Sr.

Don passed away Monday, November 16, 2020 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.

He was born March 4, 1937, in McGuffey, Ohio, the son of George and Virginia (Sturgell) Sparks. As a young boy Don moved to Michigan and attended school in Martin. After school he worked in the fields with his family, he also worked at Rockwell International then at Otsego Public Schools until his retirement in 1999.

Don loved to play cards and enjoyed traveling, taking bus trips to the casino, bowling, golfing and watching westerns. On March 31, 1956 at the Otsego United Methodist Church he married Sandra (Knight) who passed away in 1994.

Surviving are his children, Greg (Gail Badalamente) Sparks, Don (Diane) Sparks, Kevin (Kathy) Sparks, Brian (Kim) Sparks and Lori Sparks; daughter-in-law, LouAnn Sparks; 20 grandchildren, Andrea (Joe) Brinkhuis, Lee (Erin) Sparks, Lindsey (AJ) Meyers, Brandon (Elyse) Sparks, Dennis (Chrissy) Vyletel, Ben (Faith) Forcier, Brady (Heather) Forcier, Tucker (Rachel) Konecny, Jackie Sparks, Faith Sparks, Ka’lee Sparks, Trevor Sparks, Randi Morrison, Autumn Morrison, Nathan Morrison, Dakota Morrison, Joseph Morrison, Indiana Morrison, Joshua Morrison, and Michael Morrison; 7 great-grandchildren; sister, Lorene Marshall along with several nieces, nephews and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; daughter, Terri Konecny and siblings, Roger and Jack Sparks and Alberta Marshall.

Private family funeral will be held and burial will take place at Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego.

A link to watch the funeral service will be available for 30 days starting on Friday, November 20, 2020 at 1pm here

:

https://webcasts.lifetributes.com/1102434

Contributions in memory of Don may be made to the

American Cancer Society

.

Messages of condolence may be posted at

www.WinkelFuneralHome.com

.

Offer Condolence for the family of Donald G. Sparks Sr.

Condolence Messages

Sherry and Ken Schumaker.

November 17, 2020 at 2:36 pm

We are so sorry to have lost Don. I have many fond memories of spending time with him. Our deepest sympathies to all of his family. We are praying for peace and comfort knowing he is reunited with Sandy and Terri. May God be with all of you as you process this loss.

Reply

mike cronen

November 17, 2020 at 3:29 pm

brian and kim. so sorry for your loss my prayers are with you and you family

Reply

Fred and Sue Bosma

November 17, 2020 at 3:45 pm

We send our heartfelt love and sympathy to the whole family. We will miss seeing Don walk in our neighborhood and the nice chats as we would cross paths this past summer. Don was always positive and never felt sorry for himself as he’d tell us about some of his health challenges. What a sweet soul.

Reply

Janelle Turner Oberhill

November 17, 2020 at 4:13 pm

I’m so sorry to hear this news. My prayers for his entire family.

Reply

Steve Fitzpatrick and family

November 17, 2020 at 8:12 pm

Sorry to hear about Don. He was a great guy. Sorry we can not be there for the family. We will keep you all in our prayers. Hope to see you all in better times.

Reply

Bryon and Kandy Campbell

November 17, 2020 at 8:44 pm

Don, Diane and Sparks Family,

We are sadden to see that your Dad has passed away. I know he loved his kids and grandkids. He was a prominent figure at nearly all OHS sporting events . Prayers to you and your family as you celebrate his life.

Bryon and Kandy Campbell

Reply

Kelly and Joe Bohl

November 18, 2020 at 8:09 am

Brian, Kim and Lori — so very sorry for your loss. Thinking of all of you at this time. Sending comfort and peace.

Reply

Dennis and Darlene

November 18, 2020 at 10:15 am

Sending prayers for comfort for the entire family during this time of grief.

Reply

Jeff and Babette Burleigh

November 18, 2020 at 10:38 am

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Sparks family on your loss. May you take comfort in the life Don Sr. lived and the positive impact he had on the community.

Reply

Bill and Sally

November 18, 2020 at 1:10 pm

Kevin and Kathy (Jackie and Faith):

So sorry for your family’s loss. Kevin – may you take comfort in knowing that your Dad is reunited with your Mom and Terri. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.

Reply

Bill Standish

November 18, 2020 at 2:35 pm

Don leaves a big footprint in the hearts of everyone who knew him. Rest in peace good friend.

Reply

Jo golden

November 18, 2020 at 2:53 pm

Brian Kim and family I am so sorry for your loss my heart is with you all May God hold you and his arms

Reply

Debra Meade

November 18, 2020 at 4:48 pm

We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with your family at this very sad time

Reply

Bob Miles

November 18, 2020 at 5:39 pm

Sparks family sorry to hear of your loss. Always enjoyed talking with Don.

Reply

Jan Jameson

November 18, 2020 at 5:42 pm

Don was Good People. I am honored to have known him. My condolences to the family. Love and prayers to you all

Reply

Eric Hamman

November 18, 2020 at 8:16 pm

Sparks family so sorry for your loss our thoughts and prayers are with you

Reply

David and Christina Cavazos

November 18, 2020 at 10:03 pm

Brian we are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for peace foe you and the family at this time.

The Cavazos family

Reply

Chris Petro

November 18, 2020 at 10:36 pm

Love and Prayers for peace on all of you…It’s so hard losing those we love and hold dear to our hearts … cherish the memories and look forward to reuniting in heaven someday!

Reply

Stan and Mary Town

November 19, 2020 at 3:00 am

My condolences to all the family. He was a great person who loved to watch his kids and ours play sports at Otsego.

Reply

Bryon an Kim Sheldon

November 19, 2020 at 8:44 am

So very sorry to hear of Dons passing. He was a great mentor. I have lots of memories of him at wrestling meets, football games Cheering on everyone. He raised a great family and will be missed.

Reply

Howrigon

November 19, 2020 at 8:04 pm

Dear Sparks Family,

So sorry to hear about your Dad. Don always had a smile and kind words. Your Mom and Dad and you kids have a special place in our hearts. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Love Dave, Karen and Matt

Reply

Chris DuCharme

November 20, 2020 at 6:15 am

To the entire Sparks family-so very, very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Reply

John and Mary Leland

November 20, 2020 at 1:37 pm

We were sorry to see Don pass.

We have known Don for years from football with his sons Greg and Don and sports with Brian. We saw him later working at school and recently on his walks in the neighborhood, we talked to him almost every day. He was a good man who loved his family. We will miss him.

Reply

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