Dennis Sparks

Dennis Wayne Sparks, 58, of LaPlata, Md., formerly of Sikeston, Mo., and Cape Girardeau, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014, at Southeast Hospital.

He was born Oct. 2, 1955, in Sikeston, to Edith and S.H. "Slim" Sparks Jr. He graduated from Sikeston High School, joined the United States Navy and later attended College of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Ark.

He is survived by a daughter, Heather (Don Roth) Sparks-Storrey of Springfield, Mo., and grandson Davin Roth; Sunnie Epperson who was raised by Dennis and was Papaw to Colin Vicory and Bryce Dennis, Sunnie's children.

Dennis is also survived by his loving girlfriend, Phyllis Hunott Graham of Princeton, Ky.; three sisters, Mary (Bob) Schwartz of Chesterfield, Mo., Laura (William) Idsinga of Keyport, Wash., and Norva (Jim Benkovic) Wiles of Naples, Fla.; two brothers, Tom (Pam) Williams of Onalaska, Texas, and David (Crystal) Sparks of LaPlata; seven nephews, two nieces, great-nieces and nephews and two great-great-nieces. His dog Bubba was his constant companion who provided him with much love and comfort.

Dennis chose to donate his body to Science Care in hopes of helping discover a cure for his very rare cancer.

Cremation is to follow.

Interment will be at 2 p.m. March 28 at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, 5201 S. Southwood Road in Springfield.

The family requests donations in Dennis name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 2151, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38101-2151.