Jerry Sparks, 56, of 142 Parkway Court, St. Marys died at his residence Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at 5:02 pm after a courageous battle with cancer.

Jerry was born August 24, 1953 in Chillicothe, OH the son of Homer and Rosalie (Wright) Sparks.  His father survives in St. Marys.

He is also survived by his children: son, Timothy (Chastity) Sparks of St. Marys; son, Daniel (Angi) Sparks of St. Marys; daughter, Tina Sparks of Minster; daughter; Kandice Sparks (Brett Gilliland) of St. Marys; daughter, Kristine Sparks of St. Marys; step-daughter, Jennifer (Jeremiah) Herzog of Wapakoneta, step-daughter; Melissa Stinebaugh of Denver, Colo. and 10 grandchildren. Additionally he is survived by his brother James (Margie) Sparks of East Point, Ky.; brother, John (Tonya) Sparks of St. Marys; sister, Susan Hague of Celina; sister, Julia (David) Brewer of St. Marys and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Rosalie, who passed away January 21, 1977 and his step-mother Rosemary Block Sparks.

Jerry was a high school graduate and an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Navy. He was a former member of the American Legion Post 323.  Prior to his disability he was employed as an electrician with J. J. Day Electric of Muncie, Ind.  His favorite past-times included fishing, boating, restoring old cars, wood carving and painting.  He loved his dogs and he adored his grandchildren.  He will be missed by the family that he loved.

Jerry was a Baptist by faith.

Visitation will be held at the Miller – Long & Folk Funeral Home, 314 W. High St., St. Marys, OH. on Friday, Jan. 29, 2010 from 2 – 4 and 6 - 8 pm.

The funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010 at 12 Noon with the Elder James Sparks officiating.  Burial will follow the service at the Resthaven Cemetery.

The family prefers that memorials be directed to the Auglaize County Cancer Association or the Tri-County Hospice.