Wilburn Sparks

Wilburn F. Sparks, 86, of Jackson passed away peacefully Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, at Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau with family by his side.

He was born April 4, 1937, in Tallapoosa, Missouri, to Jessie Joe and Effie Vinson Sparks. He and the love of his life, Brenda C. Crader, were married Oct. 30, 1965, at Crump General Baptist Church. After meeting at the Jackson Skating Rink, they shared more than 56 years, honoring their commitment to God and one another until Brenda went home to be with the Lord on Aug. 4, 2022.

Wilburn was inducted into the U.S. Army on March 10, 1959. He was honorably discharged Feb. 27, 1961, as a private first class. Faithful and hardworking, Wilburn was a laborer at the Jackson shoe factory and Lewis Bakery's Bunny Bread until they each closed. He then worked at Spartech Plastics until he retired.

He was a member of Cape County Cowboy Church and previously a member of First General Baptist Church in Jackson.

Wilburn's family remembers him for his quiet nature, love of the Lord and passion for all things outdoors. He enjoyed deer hunting, farming, gardening and tinkering outside. He found joy in time spent with family and attending his grandchildren's school and sporting events. His grandchildren will cherish memories of fishing, hunting, archery, playing games and Papa always keeping their "blue car" charged and ready for adventures at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Loving survivors include two sons, Kevin (Amber) Sparks and Garrett (Amy) Sparks, both of Jackson; daughter, Amber (Jason) Weaver of St. Louis; 11 grandchildren, BreeAnna (Adam), Bryce, Braydon, Noah, Grant, Elise, Alana, Toby, Gavin, Caydence and Teegan; brother-in-law, R. David (Gail) Crader; and many special nephews, nieces, cousins and in-laws.

In addition to his wife, Brenda, Wilburn was preceded in death by his parents; daughter-in-law, Shelley Sparks; six brothers, Robert Lee Howard, Elwood Sparks, Laden Sparks, Hoit Sparks, Denford Sparks, Clayton Sparks; and three sisters, Louise King, Bertha Sparks and Pauline Jerome.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Mike Huffman officiating. Burial, with full military honors, will follow in Russell Heights Cemetery.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to Missouri Veterans Home.