Lawrence Warren Sparks, Sr. age 88

February 6, 1932 – July 4, 2020

Lawrence Warren Sparks, Sr. age 88, of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 4:45 AM – Saturday, July 4, 2020, at HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham, Illinois.

Funeral services celebrating the life of Lawrence will be held at 10:00 AM – Friday, July 10, 2020, at the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois, with Tom Matson officiating.  Burial will be in the Trexler Cemetery in rural Newton, Illinois, with military rites by the Jasper Post #20 American Legion.  Visitation will be held 5:00-7:00 PM – Thursday, July 9, 2020, at the funeral home.  In loving memory of Lawrence, memorials may be made to the New Beginnings Church.  The obituary can be viewed and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com .

Lawrence was born on February 6, 1932, in North Muddy Township, Jasper County, Illinois, the son of Ellis Raymond and Bertha Ann (Cox) Sparks.  He married Bonnie (Smith) Jones on April 22, 1988, at Eddyville, Kentucky.

Lawrence served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.

Lawrence owned and operated L.W. Sparks Backhoe, DS and G and Sparks Lazy Acres Campground.  He was also a farmer and truck driver.

Lawrence was a member the Jasper Post #20 American Legion.  He enjoyed gardening, camping, boating and traveling.

Lawrence is survived by:

Wife of 32 years – Bonnie Sparks of Newton, Illinois

Children – Lawrence (Sherri) Sparks, Jr. of Newton, Illinois; Dixie (Tim) Lister of Ingraham, Illinois; David Sparks of Newton, Illinois; Kenny (Lora) Sparks of Odessa, Texas; Ronnie (Betty) Sparks of Newton, Illinois; Cheryl (Richard) Yager of Newton, Illinois; Tim (Bert) Jones of Newton, Illinois and Bob (Linda) Jones of Shelbyville, Illinois

17 Grandchildren                 41 Great Grandchildren      3 Great Great Grandchildren

Sister-in-law – Barbara Sparks of Jonesville, Michigan

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter Pamie Sue Sparks, granddaughter Dorothy Stork, grandson Alex Jones, great grandson Caden Lee Sparks and two brothers Wayne and Everett Sparks.