Robert Sparks

SPARKS, Robert L. age 69, of Ray Township and beloved husband of Barbara F. Sparks, died Monday, April 3, 2007 at Wm. Beaumont Hospital, Troy, Michigan. He was born August 29, 1937, in Petoskey, Michigan. Mr. Sparks served two tours of duty in Vietnam in 1966-1967 and 1968-1969. He was an Army Green Beret who served with the 1st, 5th, and 10th Special Forces Groups. He retired in 1979 after 24 years of active duty service. Mr. Sparks worked for six additional years as owner of Sparky's Carpentry and finally retired in 1986. He was a life member of Disabled American Veterans, Special Forces Association, Special Forces Association-Chapter 55, and continued to support other retired and disabled veterans with receiving appropriate military benefits. He is also survived by sons Gregory Sparks of Toledo, Ohio, George Sparks, Richard Sparks, both of Hamtramck, Michigan, and also sons Robert Sparks and John Sparks of Germany. Memoral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 21, 2007. Mr. Sparks family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until time of Memorial Mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 68035 S. Main Street, Richmond, Michigan 48062-1347. Military services will be conducted by Special Forces Association-Chapter 55. Memorial contributions can be mailed to Special Forces Association-Chapter 55, 4215 East 48th Street, Newaygo, MI 48337-9749.