Robert Dean Sparks

Robert (Bob) Dean Sparks, 79, of Cardington, OH passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Wednesday, October 20th.

Bob was born on February 25th, 1942, to the late Delazon G. and Idella E. (Ault) Sparks in Cardington, OH. After graduating from Cardington-Lincoln High School in 1960, Bob worked for Stahl's (Cardington) as a plant manager for 27 years, then finishing his working career at Reading Truck Body Company (Reading, PA) for an additional 16 years before retiring. He was always willing to help friends, also working a friends' food trailer in PA, his brother-in-law Dean's farm, and working the grill at a local ice cream shop with his wife in Ohio.

Bob loved his family, devoting his time with his children and grandchildren at every opportunity. He loved spending time outdoors, being an avid hunter and enjoyed tending to his apple orchard. During fall he would make apple cider and share apples to anyone who asked. More often than not he could be found watching sports on TV in his recliner, as well as attending sporting events for his children and grandchildren. A longtime resident of Cardington, OH and Shillington, PA, he was active in many local events in both states, loved his community, and always made lifelong friendships that he deeply valued. He often would take family trips to amusement parks and thoroughly enjoyed playing putt-putt golf. While living in Pennsylvania, he frequently attended Reading Phillies baseball games and the yearly Poconos NASCAR race. Upon his retirement he revisited his love for auctions, often coming home with more treasures that caught his eye.

Bob is survived by his wife Kay of 17 wonderful years, sister Barb (Bill) Henthorne, Mother-in-law Charlotte Powell, children Daniel (Cheryl) Sparks, Roger (Julia) Sparks, Robert Miller, and Heather (Tyler) Creager, Brother-in-law's Mark Powell SR, Richard (Seby) Powell, Ed (Valerie) Powell, Sister-in-law's Terri (Dean) Redmond, Lisa (John) Crothers, Beth (Tim) McCain, grandchildren Ryan (Dawn), Nathan, Kendra, Kurtis, Madison, Kellen Sparks, Daetom Dewey, Patton Miller, Connor, Cavan, Kyden, and Kenzie Creager, Great-Grandchildren Anthony, Kendall, Riley, Ariel Sparks, and numerous nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.

Bob was preceded in death by his son Randy Sparks, sister and Brother-in-law Janice and Hal Clinger, Father-in-law Harold R. Powell, and Niece Dawn Renee Brammer

Friends may call on Tuesday, October 26th from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at the Gompf Funeral Home in Cardington. Memorial services will be held at 11 am on Wednesday October 27th at the Gompf Funeral Home.

Those wishing to share a memory of Bob or to express a condolence to the Sparks family may do so by visiting www.gompffh.com.