Ira J. Sparks, 100, of Springfield passed away on Friday, November 29, 2013 in his home with family by his side. He was born in Boone, IA on August 5, 1913 to Frank Sparks and Florence Brown.
He married Arlene Courtois and to this union four children were born. They enjoyed 47 years of marriage until Arlene's passing in 1984. Ira owned Southside Marine Boat Company in Springfield and worked for 31 years at the Federal Medical Center. He was a Master Mason for 61 years of Grand Lodge of Missouri Solomon #271. Ira enjoyed boating, hunting, fishing, traveling and square dancing as part of the Camper Dancers. He married Madelyn Beard and they enjoyed 25 years of marriage until her passing in 2011.
Ira is preceded in death by his parents; two wives and three brothers.
He is survived by his four children, Carolyn Henslee of San Diego, CA, James Sparks and his wife Rosemary of Springfield, MO, Mary Strothkamp and her husband Robert of Billings, MO, Jack W. Sparks and his wife Caroline Reaves of Springfield, MO; two brothers, Glyn Sparks of San Francisco, CA and Ronnie Ginther of Des Moines, IA; 8 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be make in honor of Ira to the Alzheimer's Association, 1630 W Elfindale St, Springfield, MO 65807.
A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, December 5, 2013 at Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home at White Chapel, 5234 W. State Hwy EE, Springfield, MO with a funeral service Friday, December 6, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. and burial to follow in White Chapel Memorial Gardens.
Online condolences may be made at www.klingnerfuneralhomel.com