Jun 19, 2008

Carl W. Sparks, son of John Sparks and Eva (Floyd) Sparks was born on June 15, 1913 in Kingston, Ark., and passed away on June 12, 2008 in St. John's Hospital, Springfield, at the age of 94 years, 11 months and 27 days. Carl was a resident of the Ava community for many years where he owned and operated Sparks Dry Goods Store on the Ava square. He served his country during World War II with the U.S. Army and was stationed in Alaska. He was a life member of the American Legion Post #112, Ava,. On June 27, 1960 Carl and Kathleen McCoy were united in marriage and to this union three children were born. Carl received his B.S. degree from Hendrix College and a master's in guidance and counseling. Carl was a member of the First General Baptist Church, Ava, and served as a deacon. Carl enjoyed reading his Bible and the local papers. He adored his children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Alvin and an infant brother, two sisters, Virgie and Artie and a daughter, Kathy Stewart. He is survived by one son and wife, James and Elizabeth Sparks, Ozark, and one daughter and husband, Linda and Bryan Hardy, Nixa; eight grandchildren, Jennifer and Susan Hardy, Kristopher, Alex and Devin Stewart, and Timothy, Katie and Sarah Sparks; and other relatives and friends. Services were at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 17, in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home with the Rev. Robert Roberts officiating. Visitation was Tuesday, 9 a.m. until service time. Interment followed in the Ava Cemetery with full military honors by American Legion Post #112 and VFW #5993. Memorials may be made to Gideons International or to the donor's choice of charity. Online condolences may be made at www.clinkingbeardfuneral home.com.