Samuel Sparks

Samuel Sparks, 80, departed this life Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022, at Life Care Center of Cape Girardeau.

He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and friend and will always be remembered for the love he showed his family and friends.

Samuel was born June 2, 1941, to the union of John Wesley Sr. and Ethel Sparks-Gilbert in Steele, Missouri.

He was educated in the Caruthersville (Missouri) School District.

Samuel accepted the Lord Jesus Christ in his life at a young age.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army on March 8, 1967, at the age of 26 and became a E6 staff sergeant. After being released from the Army, Samuel relocated to Cape Girardeau, where he married Willie Mae Walker. To this union there was a son, Jerome Walker.

Samuel was employed by the Buckner-Ragsdale store until its closing. He was then employed by Famous-Barr/Macy's until retirement.

He later united in marriage to Evelyn Harris on Nov. 12, 1977. She preceded him in death.

Samuel loved to fish, play pool, play the lottery and eat butterscotch candy. He was an amazing family man.

He leaves to cherish his memory a son, Jerome Walker of Cape Girardeau; two brothers, Manuel (Sharon) Sparks and Robert (Regina) Sparks, both of Kansas City, Missouri; four stepchildren; a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; special niece, Jenita Sparks Johnson of Cape Girardeau; special nephew, Fredrick (Torsha) Sparks of Cape Girardeau; and special great-niece, Micah Sparks of Cape Girardeau.

He was preceded in death by his father, John W. Sparks Sr.; mother, Ethel Sparks-Gilbert; sister, Johnnie M. Sparks-Breckenridge; brother, John W. Sparks Jr.; grandmother, Doll-Mclillie; and grandfather, King Smith.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home with the Rev. Rodrick King Sparks officiating. Burial will be at Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.