Jerry Lee Sparks
October 6, 1937 — March 28, 2023
Jerry Lee Sparks was born on October 6, 1937, in Knoxville, Iowa to Jonas (Tony) LeRoy and Bonnie Eldora (Roland) Sparks. Jerry was the oldest of three children born to this union. Jerry was raised and would continue to live in the Knoxville area throughout his entire life. While hanging out with a friend, Jerry was introduced to Norma Lea DeWeese, and the two soon fell in love. On July 29, 1955, Jerry and Norma were united in marriage in Knoxville, Iowa, and over the next few years of their marriage the two would add six children to their family.
Jerry and Norma raised their six children, Rosa Lea “Rosie”, Charles LeRoy “Charlie”, (wife Brenda), Terry Dean (wife Stephanie), Michael Dwayne (wife Karin), Randy Wayne, and Rhonda Lynn in the Knoxville area where they remained for the 63 years of their marriage, and where Jerry continued to live.
Jerry lived his life serving God and doing his work, serving on the Trustee Board for more than 20 years, and on the Elder Board for more than 15 years at the Apostolic Church in Knoxville. Whenever Jerry was called to serve within the church, he was always quick to respond without hesitation. As a young man, husband, and father, Jerry began working as a milk truck driver for Tom Romick, traveling throughout Marion County at which time he could carry two ten-gallon containers of milk at a time to his truck, and then lift them up one at a time into the back of truck. Jerry later accepted a position at Maytag in Newton, Iowa where he worked as a press operator and held other various positions for more than 22 years before retiring. After retirement you would find Jerry assisting his son Michael at his mechanic shop, where he continued to work until his passing. In addition to being a faithful servant of God, Jerry was a dedicated and devoted loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather to his children, grand-children, and great-grandchildren. Jerry was genuine and sincere, yet he had such a fun and loving spirit about him. He lit up a room with his warm and caring smile.
Jerry passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas at the age of 85 years. Jerry was preceded in death by his wife Norma, his father Jonas (Tony), his mother Bonnie, and a great-granddaughter Brittany.
Those left to honor Jerry’s memory include his children, Rosie, Charlie, Terry, Mike, Randy, and Rhonda, 15 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, 1 grand-kitty Maggie Moo, siblings Ronald “Lee” Sparks and Christy Ann (Chris) Finken, and many other family members and friends.
Jerry and Norma raised their six children, Rosa Lea “Rosie”, Charles LeRoy “Charlie”, (wife Brenda), Terry Dean (wife Stephanie), Michael Dwayne (wife Karin), Randy Wayne, and Rhonda Lynn in the Knoxville area where they remained for the 63 years of their marriage, and where Jerry continued to live.
Jerry lived his life serving God and doing his work, serving on the Trustee Board for more than 20 years, and on the Elder Board for more than 15 years at the Apostolic Church in Knoxville. Whenever Jerry was called to serve within the church, he was always quick to respond without hesitation. As a young man, husband, and father, Jerry began working as a milk truck driver for Tom Romick, traveling throughout Marion County at which time he could carry two ten-gallon containers of milk at a time to his truck, and then lift them up one at a time into the back of truck. Jerry later accepted a position at Maytag in Newton, Iowa where he worked as a press operator and held other various positions for more than 22 years before retiring. After retirement you would find Jerry assisting his son Michael at his mechanic shop, where he continued to work until his passing. In addition to being a faithful servant of God, Jerry was a dedicated and devoted loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather to his children, grand-children, and great-grandchildren. Jerry was genuine and sincere, yet he had such a fun and loving spirit about him. He lit up a room with his warm and caring smile.
Jerry passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas at the age of 85 years. Jerry was preceded in death by his wife Norma, his father Jonas (Tony), his mother Bonnie, and a great-granddaughter Brittany.
Those left to honor Jerry’s memory include his children, Rosie, Charlie, Terry, Mike, Randy, and Rhonda, 15 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, 1 grand-kitty Maggie Moo, siblings Ronald “Lee” Sparks and Christy Ann (Chris) Finken, and many other family members and friends.
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