William "Bill" Sparks

William Alfred “Bill” Sparks, 92, of Palestine, IL, died at 9:37 a.m. on Thursday, August 31, 2017 at his home in Palestine, IL. He was born August 21, 1925 in Palestine, IL, the son of Lee & Lea (Ramsey) Sparks, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Lynn Bradberry; by his siblings, Willard Sparks, Wayne Sparks, Woodrow Sparks, Marie Hamm, and Willis Sparks. He married his wife of 73 years, Ruth Fowler, on July 28, 1944, and she survives. He is also survived by his son & daughter-in-law, Pat & Cindy Sparks (Palestine, IL); by his daughters & sons-in-law, Mona & Rick Bogard (Robinson, IL) and Beth & James Butts (Bella Vista, AR); by his grandchildren, Eric & Marcia Bradberry, Sean & Julie Bradberry, Ryan Bradberry, BJ & Mendy Sparks, Jessica & Sean Bonesteel, Erin & Bradley Reinbold, Libby & Israel Benson, Cory & Angie Bogard, Laura & Philip Baker, Jordan Hawley, Aaron & Aubree Hawley, and Hannah Hawley; by 23 great-grandchildren; by 1 great-great-grandchild; by his son-in-law, Gary Bradberry; by his sister-in-law, Ola Gwen McDaniel; as well as several step-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Having been born and raised in Palestine, Bill was a standout athlete at Palestine High School, having played football, baseball, and was even a member of the undefeated 1941 basketball team that won the Wabash Valley Classic in Terre Haute. Immediately following his graduation in 1943, he enlisted and proudly served his country in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. From 1943 until his honorable discharge in 1945, he flew 35 missions as a top-gunner in a B-29. His bomber was the only in its original bombardment group that survived deployment. Back home, Bill worked as a mechanic and car dealer in Palestine for many years. When he wasn’t under the hood of a car, he stayed active in his community. Bill was a member of the Palestine First Methodist Church, the Palestine Masonic Lodge #849, the Palestine Lions Club, as well as the Gordon Trap & Skeet Club. He spent quite a bit of time hunting, and brought his fishing pole with him to the countless trips and vacations he and his family took through the years. An avid woodworker, he busied himself building furniture for various members of his family and for his church. Family and friends alike will remember a hard-working man who dedicated himself to excellence in all he did. He truly epitomized what it meant to be a member of the “Greatest Generation”. We all owe so much to Bill Sparks, and will never forget his spirit nor his sacrifice. A time of visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 5th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. A graveside service will follow at the Oak Grove Cemetery, where military services will be conducted by the combined units of the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, American Legion Post #69, and Marine Corps League Det #546, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. Memorial contributions may be made to Honor Flight, Inc., which helps transport veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit their memorials. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine is in charge of arrangements.