Beech Tree News Network

Sgt. Ronald K. Sparks, 78 Bowling Green, Kentucky, passed away Friday, September 16, 2011 at his residence

in the Plano Community. He was a Jeffersonville, Indiana native, son of the late John Wesley and Bessie Dunn Sparks.

He was of the Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints faith, retired US Army Sgt and Para Trooper for 21 years for the country he loved, earning the Purple Heart, served in the Korean War and was a POW in the Vietnam Era. During his time in the Army he was Elvis Presley’s Sgt. and Advisor. Sgt Sparks also served in the Secret Service and FBI for President Richard Nixon, alternate for the Olympic Volleyball team, refereed for the Army Basketball Team, The Old Time Globetrotters and for College Football. He was a member of the American Legion and worked for Southern Railroad in Indiana.  He was preceded in death by 3 brothers Bill, Wayne and James Sparks and 2 sisters infant Eva Marie Sparks and Janie “Judy” Sparks. Memorial contributions may be made to Cruelty to Animal Shelters in your area. Special thanks to Home In Stead, Hospice of Southern Kentucky, and special friends Roger Miller and Bob Coots.

Sgt. Ronald K. Sparks is survived by his adored and loving wife Judy Dell Dunn Sparks who was by his side throughout, of Bowling Green , Ky. ; daughter Diana Libs and husband Hector of Atlanta, GA; 2 sons Darren Sparks and wife Melissa of New Albany, IN and Dustin Sparks and wife Wendy of Lexington, Ky.; 8 grandchildren; 5 brothers John Sparks and wife Carol of Jeffersonville, IN, Rich Sparks and wife Ruth of Chicago, IL, Wesley Sparks and wife Mary of Tennessee, Charles Sparks and wife Linda of Jeffersonville, IN and David Sparks of Tennessee; sister MaryAnn Snider and husband Louie of Jeffersonville, IN; several nieces and nephews and his faithful companions Sparky, Rocky, Skippy and Ace.

Funeral services will be held at the Jones Funeral Chapel Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at 12:00pm with Speaker Vivin Brooks and Speaker Bob Coots officiating. Burial will be in the Sandy Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday ,September 20, 2011, from 3:00pm – 8:00pm and Wednesday from 8:00am til funeral time at the Jones Funeral Chapel. Online condolences can be made at www.jonesfuneralchapl.com