Donald Sparks

Donald F. “Don” Sparks 92, of Flowood, MS died on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at Saint Dominics Hospital, Jackson, MS. He was born on December 12, 1930 in Chicago, IL, son of Ralph William Sparks and Helen (Brink) Sparks. During his younger years, the family moved to St Louis, MO where he was an eagle scout and wrestling state champion runner-up for Maplewood High School.

After high school, the family moved to Chattanooga, TN where he met a spunky, striking redhead that he would wed in Chattanooga on March 22, 1957. They started out with little but hearts full of love for one another. That love continued to grow over the years just as their family would grow with three sons and a daughter. Don was a wonderful father and friend of his children. He coached and supported them by attending and cheering them on in their many activities.

Don’s career included a 1958 move to the Pensacola, FL area where he worked for American Cyanamid as a chemist. He stayed with the company for his full career making moves to Jackson, MS, Fort Madison, IA, Ringwood, NJ and returning to Mississippi where he retired after 33 years with American Cyanamid as Director of Manufacturing and lived the rest of his life in Flowood (1990).

Don found joy in making all things better and having fun along the way. He was a great mentor and coach to people of all ages and backgrounds whether it be work, wrestling, scouting, football, baseball and especially golf.

Don loved his family and friends and enjoyed entertaining them with great food off the grill, his homemade bread, veggies from his garden and his legendary “Don pour”, a half glass of wine which almost exceeded the capacity of the glass.

His sense of humor, wisdom, friendship, and twinkle of his beautiful blue eyes will be missed by all that knew him and especially by the love of his life, the lovely Joyce.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce, Flowood, son, Dennis (Meg), Royersford, PA, Doug (Erin), Waterloo, IA, Walter (Karla), Clinton, MS and daughter Jennifer (Pete) Mancini, North Yarmouth, ME, ten grandchildren, three great grandchildren, Sister, Judy (Jerry) Rimer, and two brothers, Norman (Helen) and John (Donna Jean).  He was preceded in death by a sister Carol Fitts and two brothers, Ralph Jr and Richard.

Memorials may be made to, Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children at 2500 N State St. Jackson MS 39216, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital at 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis TN 38105 or the USO at PO Box 96860 Washington DC 20077-7677.

Private service to be determined.