Donald Sparky Sparks

Donald "Sparky" Sparks, 81, of Vermilion, died Friday, October 5, 2012 at New Life Hospice Center, Lorain after a lengthy illness. Donald was born December 4, 1930 in Portsmouth, OH and had been a Vermilion resident for the past 6 years moving from Lorain and Wakeman. He was a veteran of the US Army serving during the Korean War as a transportation operator. Donald worked for US Steel, Lorain for 43 years as a crane operator retiring in 1992. He was a member of AMVETS Post #22, VFW Post #7576, and United Steel Workers Local #1104. Donald enjoyed boating, traveling, shooting pool, maintaining his yard, and spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Delores Sparks of Vermilion; son, Michael Sparks of Wellington; daughters, Terri (David) Taylor of Sheffield Lake, Liz (George) Concar of Henrietta Twp, Sheila Boyd of Vermilion, Debra (Brad) Parker of Tampa, FL, and Donna Randall of Cincinnati; grandchildren: Michael Sparks, Nikki Sparks, Jason Taylor, Josh Taylor, John Concar, Jeffery Perry, Eric Boyd, Terra Boyd, Brian Randall, and Rachael Randall, 9 great grandchildren; sister, Effie "Sis" Hardie of Lorain, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tracy and Hazel (nee Kuhn) Sparks and first wife, Mary Jo (nee Dongarra) Sparks in 1988. The family will receive friends on Monday, October 8, 2012 from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio. Funeral services will be Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. The Reverend Karen Hollingsworth will officiate. Interment will follow at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst, where the Vermilion Veterans Council will conduct military honors. The family suggests memorial contributions to New Life Hospice, 3700 Kolbe Rd., Lorain, OH 44053. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.