Carl W. Sparks
Ava, MO

Carl W. Sparks, son of John Sparks and Eva (Floyd) Sparks was born on June 15, 1913 in Kingston, AR and passed away on June 12, 2008 in St. John's Hospital, Springfield, MO at the age of 94 years, 11 months and 27 days.

Carl was a resident of the Ava community for many years where he owned and operated Sparks Dry Goods Store on the Ava square. He served his country during WWII with the U.S. Army and was stationed in Alaska. He was a life member of the American Legion Post #112, Ava, MO.
On June 27, 1960 Carl and Kathleen McCoy were united in marriage and to this union three children were born. Carl received his B.S. degree from Hendrix College and a Master's in Guidance and Counseling.

Carl was a member of the First General Baptist Church, Ava, MO and served as a Deacon. Carl enjoyed reading his Bible and the local papers.
He adored his children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Alvin and an infant brother, two sisters, Virgie and Artie and a daughter, Kathy Stewart. He is survived by one son and wife, James & Elizabeth Sparks, Ozark, MO and one daughter and husband, Linda & Bryan Hardy, Nixa, MO, eight grandchildren, Jennifer & Susan Hardy, Kristopher, Alex & Devin Stewart and Timothy, Katie & Sarah Sparks and other relatives and friends.

Services are 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, June 17, 2008 in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, MO with the Rev. Robert Roberts officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday 9:00 A.M. until service time. Interment will follow in the Ava Cemetery with full military honors by American Legion Post #112 and VFW#5993. Memorials may be made to the Gideon's or to the donor's choice of charity.