William Sparks

On Monday, December 2, 2019, William J. Sparks, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully with his wife of 56 years holding his hand.

Bill was born June 30, 1936 in Omaha, NE to Jack E. and Grace R. Sparks. He was a member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Grandview, MO. He lived most of his life in the Kansas City, MO area, most recently in Raymore, MO. On February 16, 1963, he married Mae Simmons and together they raised one son, Bill, and one daughter, Amy.

His first love was his family and frequent Saturday visits with the grandchildren which brought him special joy. He also kept in touch with many Southeast High School classmates and was actively involved in planning class reunions. Many have commented "Bill and classmate Betty are up there planning the next reunion, making sure everyone signs in and has a name tag"

Bill loved building and flying radio-controlled airplanes. For many years he and a group of friends met at a private field to enjoy the sport and their friendship. He taught others to build and fly. He became a mentor to one young friend, Justin Cox, who took up the sport at the age of 13. Their friendship remained strong and special to Bill.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, Jack; mother, Grace; two brothers, Jack and Tom; and sister-in-law Betty.

He is survived by his wife, Mae; daughter, Amy; son, Bill (Lisa); grandchildren, Nathan, Katie, and Daniel; sisters, Mary Ann Cox (Scotty) and Lynn Shaw; and sister-in-law's Dorothy Sparks and Shelda Stubler (Matt). Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held from 10-11 AM, service 11 AM, on Saturday, December 7, at Longview Funeral Home and Cemetery, 12700 SE Raytown Rd, Kansas City, MO 64149.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kansas City Hospice, https://www.kchospice.org/donation/