Raymond Sparks
July 18, 2013
Raymond Sparks, 68, passed away unexpectedly at his home Thursday, July 18, 2013. He was born February 6, 1945 in Des Moines to Mary (Burris) and Charles Sparks.
Ray was a graduate of Lincoln High school. He was part of the last January class to graduate in 1963. He was a truck driver with Yellow Freight for 30 years and a proud member of Teamster's Union Local 147. Ray was a member of Fort Des Moines Presbyterian Church for more than a decade. He loved sports, especially the Indianapolis Colts and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Ray was a very hardworking man, dedicated to his family and adored his wife, daughter and grand kids. Ray was very handy and could fix almost anything and enjoyed wood working. Traveling was a large part of Ray's retirement and his favorite destination was Pennsylvania to visit his daughter and family. He joked about being a professional TV watcher and loved to be in control of the remote control.
Raymond is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Alana; his daughter, Marilee (Dennis) Snyder; grandchildren, Denny and Megan; mother, Mary Sparks; brother, David Sparks; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 22, 2013 at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th St. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home followed by burial at Sunset Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Raymond’s family.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Irene Mouzakis Hensley
07/22/2013
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I graduated with Ray from Lincoln High School in Jan. 1963, I considered Ray a good friend. My thoughts are with you at this time.
Bill, Michelle, Sophia and Madelynn
07/22/2013
We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Ray was a wonderful man with tremendous spirit. We will miss him dearly.
"I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love."
Our thoughts and prayers are you with you and your family.
Margo & Mark Smith
07/22/2013
Remember the good times Alana, they will help you get through these very sad times. He will always be with you in spirit and your Mom will keep him in line upstairs. You are in our thoughts and prayers. All our love, Sis and Mark
Stephanie, Matt, Tyler & Nicholas Dolan
07/22/2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Marci Aller
07/22/2013
My deapest thoughts and prayers are with you all of you.
Bob McGrean (Arnies Motor Freight)
07/21/2013
I am very sad to hear about Ray, I am very sorry for your loss.
Tracy, Melissa, Mikaela & Ryan
07/22/2013
Alana, We are deeply sorry to hear about Ray. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.
Amber McDaniel
07/21/2013
My sincere condolences to the entire family. Uncle Ray will be missed by many. I will always remember the pool parties, BBQs and Christmas parties we had growing up! My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Sandy Cassady
07/21/2013
Ray & I grew up together and were fierce competitors in the game of tether ball at Maple Grove and Ft Des Moines schools. After graduation from Lincoln High we would run into each other and challenge one another to a game of tether ball (guess some of us never grow up) these are great memories. My thoughts & prayers to the family. Ray was a great guy. Sandy Cassady
Joan Hector
07/21/2013
I am so shocked and saddened to hear of Ray's sudden passing. My sincere condonences to your family.
Nancy
07/21/2013
I greave for you both. I know the pain you are going through, there are no words that can ease your pain right now but only time will help.
Claudia Gathercole
07/20/2013
Alana, I am so very sorry you and your family must endure this loss. My prayers are with all of you now and in the coming days.
Tim, Annette, Morgan and Logan Schlee
07/19/2013
Our heart is broken for you, Alana. You both mean a lot to us and the neighborhood will never quite be the same without Ray. You will never be without him as you carry him in your heart.