German Sparks, of Warsaw, passed away at home at 7:40 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023, at the wonderful age of 95. He lived a long and full life and is now spending eternity with his Lord and Savior in heaven.

German Sparks

He was born on March 31, 1928, in Prestonsburg, Ky., to Malverie (Davis) Sparks and Malcolm Sparks. On Oct. 7, 1950, he married Zora (Whitaker) Sparks and shared 61 years of marriage together before Zora passed away on March 14, 2012. German married Patsy Jean (Bucher) Owens Sparks in November 2012, and she survives.

German grew up in Prestonsburg, Ky., and moved to Warsaw with his family and has lived here for the past 70 years. In 1982, he began working as a machinist for Zimmer Inc. in Warsaw, retiring in 1992. After retirement, he enjoyed spending his winters in Florida. German enjoyed the fellowship of his church family at Living Hope Ministries in Warsaw. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be dearly missed by all.

He leaves behind his wife, Patsy Jean Owens Sparks, Warsaw; daughter, Christine (Roger) Fannin, Rochester; three stepdaughters, Sheryl Carnes, Indianapolis, Carol (Brian) Severns, Mentone, and Shelly (Wes) Yarian, Akron; and stepson, Jeffery (Lori) Owens, Silver Lake. Also surviving are four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson, 10 step-grandchildren and six step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Zora Sparks, on March 14, 2012; his daughter, Kathleen “Kathy” Hall, on June 2, 2023; three sisters; and three brothers.

German’s life will be celebrated with a service at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, and officiated by Pastor Wedstel Shepherd. A graveside service will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Silver Lake. Friends and family may visit prior to the service from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Memorial donations may be directed to Stillwater Hospice, P.O. Box 1196, Warsaw, IN 46581-1196.

Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.