David A. Sparks

David A. Sparks, 75, of St. Cloud, Florida and formerly of Ashtabula passed away peacefully Saturday April 2, 2011 in St. Cloud. Born February 6, 1936 in Dorset, Ohio, David was the son of Robert G. and Nellie (Hefner) Sparks. He graduated from Dorset High School in 1954. David served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1960 stationed primarily at Fort Carson, Colorado. David married the former Carleen Salmen on October 1, 1960. They were married for nearly 45 years until Carleen passed away in April 2005. David began his working career in the banking industry eventually becoming a Vice President of Commercial Bank. He also served as manager of the bank’s Geneva office. In the late 1970s David left banking for a new career in auto sales. For many years he was the top salesman at Marcy Chevrolet in Geneva and later Classic East in Madison. He retired to Florida in 2003 but didn’t slow down much. He worked at Poffenbaugh Ford in St. Cloud, assisted his son-in-law’s house painting business and worked on the 2010 United States Census. David was a faithful churchgoer. He previously attended St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Ashtabula and more recently was a member of the Church of St. Luke and St. Peter in St. Cloud. David enjoyed travelling and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed watching baseball and basketball closely following the Cleveland Indians, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Orlando Magic. David was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Carleen. He is survived by his sister Roberta Woodruff of Lexington, Kentucky and brothers Allen (Gail) of Ashtabula, Francis (Marlea) of Bourbonnais, Illinois, William of Nashville, and Thomas (Renee) of Columbus and many nieces and nephews. David was a devoted father and grandfather and will be missed greatly by his son Michael (Jennifer) of Sarasota, Florida and daughter Debbie (Kevin) Delgado of St. Cloud and grandchildren Rachel Sparks of Bainbridge Township, Grady Sparks of Sarasota, and Zachary Delgado and David Delgado of St. Cloud. David is also survived by his companion Sandy Brady of St. Cloud. Over the past few years David and Sandy took several trips across the country visiting friends and family and making new friends along the way. David’s black lab Sam made the move from Ohio and has been a loyal pet for many years. A memorial service is scheduled for April 15 at the Church of St. Luke and St. Peter in St. Cloud. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society. Throughout his life David touched countless other lives with his positive attitude, friendly nature, ready smile and firm handshake. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

David A. Sparks

February 6, 1936 - April 2, 2011