Richard E. Sparks

Richard E. Sparks, 86, of Plainfield, passed away July 18, 2020.  He was born March 12, 1934 to the late Harley and Hazel (Rowe) Sparks in Mulberry, IN.  He grew up in Lafayette, IN.  He worked many jobs in his life, starting at a young age delivering papers, and working at Kroger, and also driving an ambulance for a funeral home.  Later he ran a bulldozer when they were building the I-80/94 tollroad from Gary to Chicago.  He was then drafted into the Army.  After the Army, he moved to Cloverdale and worked with his dad in the sale barn and later worked as a printer in Spencer.  He ended his work career as a material handler for Eli Lilly Co for 20 years retiring in 1993.  He was a member of the Mooresville Church of Christ.  Some of his favorite things were the first snowfall of the year, where he would go for a walk before he shoveled the snow; the Dodgers (he loved teasing his Cub fans); his beach vacations and historical sights; dressing up from head-to-toe and wearing his favorite cologne; laughing and joking and pulling pranks; doing puzzles of all kinds such as jigsaw, crossword and word search; telling his girls to "be sweet"; and devoting his life to God.  Richard is survived by his wife of 56 years, Judith E. (Easton) Sparks;  his two "girls", Jennifer M.L. (Gary) Lay and Susan L. (Michael) Ross; 4 grandchildren, Nicholas and Abigail Ross and Jess and Cole Lay; and a great granddaughter, Lily Lay.  He was the last surviving member of his 11 brothers and sisters.  He will be greatly missed by all.  Funeral services and calling will be private at the Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield.  He will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Spencer, IN.  Online condolences may be sent to www.hamptongentry.com