Charles Leonard Sparks, 89, of Tekonsha, passed away at his home Tuesday, March 15, 2022.
Friends may visit with the family from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, March 18, 2022, at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068. A funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, March 19, 2022, at the funeral home.
A graveside service will follow the funeral at Houston Cemetery.
He was born on June 23, 1932, in Pilot, Kentucky. On January 22, 1953, he married Bobbie Spencer. Bobbie preceded him in death on August 17, 2018. He was also preceded in death by his father, Jeptha Sparks and his mother, Minnie Sparks; son, Charles Sparks Jr.; grandson, David Damon; three brothers and two sisters.
Charles is survived by children, Gloria (Lynn) Brown, Sherrie (Phil) Damon, and Donna Sprague; grandchildren, Charles “Lenny” (Hanie) Sparks III, Jeremy (Kate) Sparks, Laree Sparks, Cayden (Megan) Sparks, Misty VanHeulen, Holly (Branden) Evans, Chadwick Damon, Ashley Damon, Eric (Laura) Sprague, Amanda (Erin) Sprague-Mansfield; eight great-grandchildren; and four Sisters, Lorine Booth, Ina Faye (Carl) Leavitt, Josephine Lane, Shirley (Roy) Hayes.
He was raised in humble beginnings and made numerous sacrifices for his family throughout his life. He was a Christian man with high integrity and lived a humble life. Charles’ calling was in ministry and serving the Lord. He was currently serving as Pastor of Christian Pilgrim Church in Coldwater, and his prior ministry was at Athens Indian Mission in Athens, MI.
He was devoted to his church community and loved his church family. He served the Branch County jail ministry and also at the former state hospital in Coldwater. He also ministered at nursing homes on Sundays. He had numerous connections with other pastors and frequently met with them. He loved music and could play just about any instrument.
His love of music included being in the Christian Pilgrim Trio with his sister, Faye Leavitt and his friend, Homer McCowan. He never met a stranger and was loved by all. Charles was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His true joy in life was spending time with his family, which included river & ice fishing and small game hunting.
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