William Edward Sparks

William Edward Sparks "Bill", 64, passed away on Sunday, June 3, 2007 at his home in Payson, UT, after a nine year battle with prostate cancer. Bill was born in Ridgely, MD, on July 24, 1942, to Mary & Earle Sparks and was reared by his father & mother-by-heart, Doris. He served an honorable four years in the Air Force (1960-64). Bill married Helen Griffin in 1965, later divorcing in 1981. He joined the LDS church in 1982. He married Janet Cheever Hill in the Provo, LDS Temple on August 27, 1983. He worked in the medical supply profession in San Antonio, TX, as a purchasing agent before earning his Bachelors degree in Communications from BYU. He spent the rest of his career employed as a civilian with the US Army where he retired this year from Dugway Proving Ground. He also enjoyed his part-time job at Sam's Club in Provo. Bill had an outgoing personality and greeted everyone he met with a smile. He was blessed later than most in life with four beautiful children. Bill was able to realize his dream of seeing and providing them all with a great start in life before leaving this earth. He is survived by his wife, his daughters, Libby (Brad) Taylor (Ephraim) and Amy (Adam) Larsen (Ephraim), and his sons, Joel Sparks (Payson), Tom (Jami) Hill (Bountiful), and grandchildren, Brian, Michael, Maggie, Zoe, Abby, and Adian. He is also survived by his brothers, Bob (Carol) Sparks (Maryland), and Earle "Chip" Sparks (Maryland), his sisters, Bonnie (Tom) Blunt (Maryland), Pat Sparks (AZ), Barbara (Tom) Finnegan (IL), his mother-in-law, Marion Cheever (Payson), brothers-in-law, Bruce (Machelle) Cheever (Woodland Hills), Mark (Kelli) Cheever (WA), Grant Cheever (SLC), and sisters-in-law, Julie (Dee) Stevenson (Payson), and Rose (Rod) Jackson (Orem). Proceeded in death by his parents and father-in-law, George A. Cheever. Funeral services will be held, Saturday, June 9, 2007, at 12:00 in the Payson 2nd Ward Chapel, 191 N Main St. Viewing at the church on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to Noon. Interment will be in the Payson City Cemetery. The family would like to express sincere gratitude for all the care provided by medical professionals; and especially for the Vista Care Hospice team for helping Bill to spend his last days at home. They would also like to thank all of their friends for their compassionate service during this trial. You may send personal condolences to www.serenicare.com.