Harvey A. Sparks
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Harvey A. Sparks, 92, of Belton, Missouri passed away August 30, 2019 surrounded by love at his son’s home in Kansas City, Missouri. A celebration to honor both the lives and love of Harvey and Betty Sparks will be held Saturday, September 14th from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Liberty Room at Conrad’s Restaurant in Liberty, MO (210 North State Route 291).
Harvey was born in Dawson, NE on October 23, 1926 to George and Ella (Poteet) Sparks. He was one of nine siblings. He grew up in the St. Joseph, Missouri area. Harvey served his country in the Merchant Marines from 1944-1946 and the Army from 1950-1952. He was married to his true love, Betty Joan (Downey) Sparks on February 28, 1953. He joined Ironworkers Local 10 in November 1953 and was a proud lifetime member, where he worked alongside his beloved brothers.
Harvey was preceded in death by his wife, Betty and by his son, John Sparks. He is survived by his son, Sid (Jane) Sparks, Kansas City, Missouri, brothers Art Sparks, Savannah, Missouri and Harold (Peggy) Sparks, Cameron, Missouri, daughter-in-law, Dawn Sparks, Kansas City, Missouri; three grandchildren; Kristen Sparks, Lauren (Joey) Mackley, and Brett Sparks, and 5 great-grandchildren; Parker, Xavier, Vienna, Blaise, and Isla. He is also survived by his longtime best friends, Wally and Helen Rall and a host of nephews, nieces, and extended family.
Harvey will be remembered for his love of his wife and best friend, Betty and all of his family. Harvey and Betty loved to travel the country in their RV with family and friends. They loved planting a huge garden and working together on little projects everyday. Harvey was a gentle giant that will be deeply missed by all those that loved him.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Kidney Foundation or KC Pet Project.
Visits: 1
We were honored to know both Harvey and Betty. We are especially blessed that their son Sid is now our son, too, married to our daughter Jane. They have given us our grandson Brett and our hearts overflow with thankfulness.
Harvey was one of a kind…AND kind! He and Betty were so much fun to be with, coaching baseball with Don leaves me with wonderful memories! I loved them both, and their sons, John and Sid. RIP, my friend!
Harvey and I became friends more than 65 years ago, when we received
our Journeymen Ironworkers Union book together. Since that time,
though all those years, he has been a good friend and buddy, a fellow
worker, and an RV travel companion to Helen and I. RVing with Harvey
and Betty added not only security but fun and excitement as well. Having
Harvey and Betty as friends led to meeting and enjoying camping outings
with the Sparks family, an experience e will not forget. He was one of
a kind and Helen and I considered it a priviledge to call him an Betty
friends for these many years. Now we have only fond memories. It is with
heavy heart and deep sorrow that Helen and I must say to Harvey –
Goodbye Old Friend.
There is not a time in my life that I have not known and loved deeply Harvey (and Betty). In our early years as kids we (Helen’s kids) were at their house, or they at ours, nearly every weekend. I have been blessed to get to see them through years even after my father died and mom (Helen) married Wally (Harvey’s best friend). Many, many fond memories and blessings and lessons learned from those family times together. I pray that God heal the hearts of all that love Harvey because it is with a broken heart that we are all feeling at his loss.
I’m saddened by the loss of Harvey and pray for comfort and healing for those whose hearts are heavy with sorrow at his passing. My earliest memories include spending time with Harvey, Betty, John and Sid as our parents enjoyed each other’s company on the weekends. Both Harvey and Betty were warm and funny and always greeted us kids with love and affection. He will be missed!