Email Condolences

Robert Sparks

Robert Owen Sparks, age 85 of Big Springs, passed away on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at the Western Nebraska Veteran’s Home in Scottsbluff, NE. “Sparky” was born May 18, 1924 in Des Moines, Iowa the son of Romie and Zelpha (Bonney) Sparks. He joined the United States Army in September of 1942 and served in the Army Air Corp, 93rd Bomb Group, 8th Air Force as a tail gunner during World War II. On December 22, 1943 their plane was shot down over Germany. He was wounded and spent sixteen months as a prisoner of war. He served his country bravely and was honored with the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Purple Heart, Good Conduct and the Ex POW Medals.

On December 31, 1945 he eloped to Marysville, Kansas with Betty Millhouse. To this union was born five girls and one son: Julie (Ron) Wilson of Brighton, CO, Susan (Greg) McGreer of Big Springs, NE, Barbara (Dan) Knapp of Wheat Ridge, CO, Darla (Kim) Brockmoller of Overton, NE, Kathy (Phil) Mills of Brighton, CO and Stephen (Kerry) Sparks of Kearney, NE. At the time of his passing, he had been further blessed with fifteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

A hard-worker all his life, he worked for numerous local farmers, the old Tenneco Truck Stop, and eventually retired from the Kansas Nebraska Gas Company in 1988 after seventeen years of service. He enjoyed gardening and riding his three-wheel bicycle with his ever constant companion, his little dog “Tiny”. He loved animals and took great joy in bird-watching and providing shelter and comfort for homeless critters. Over the years he became a skilled jelly-maker and kept his friends, families, and a good portion of the Midwest populations pantries well stocked. Though out his life, Sparky was a notorious prankster and nothing caused him to chuckle harder than making someone jump and squeal with surprise. People though out the community can share many a tale of him startling them with a snake he found and presented to them in an innocent looking coffee can.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents and two brothers. Sparky is survived by a brother, Ron (Nadine) Sparks and a sister, Joyce Lathrum both of Des Moines, Iowa, his six children, fifteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

His family notes, “His orneriness was only surpassed by his huge heart and generosity. He was dearly loved by all and will be gravely missed.”

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 5, 2010 at the Big Springs United Methodist Church with Pastor Joy Savage officiating. Burial will be in the Big Springs Cemetery with military honors.

A memorial to the Big Springs United Methodist Church has been established in his memory.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 4th at the Gubser Funeral Home in Big Springs. Online condolences may be sent at gubserfuneralhome.com. Gubser Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.