Obituary of Millard Sparks

Longtime Cheyenne Wells, CO resident Millard Wayne Sparks, died Saturday, April 1, 2006 at the Keefe Memorial Hospital in Cheyenne Wells. He was 83 years old. Millard Sparks was born August 20, 1922 at Firstview, Colorado. He was the son of Murrell and Neva Sparks, one of seven children; six boys and one girl. He grew up on a farm northwest of Firstview. Millard and his family played music for local weddings and barn dances. Their talents later blossomed into a band called the “What Notsâ€?, which included friends and family. The band was asked to perform live on a weekly show on KLOE TV in Goodland, Kansas in 1962. He was called to serve his country in February of 1944 and went into the U.S. Navy. He served his country for 2 years and 2 months. While he was in the service, Millard met his future wife, Virginia Neargarder. They were married on June 26, 1948 in Piqua, Ohio. Millard lived most of his life in eastern Colorado. He lived at Firstview and Arapahoe before moving his family to Cheyenne Wells in 1971 where his wife still resides. Millard was an active member of the local VFW, the William A. Kimmel Post 9700. He was a Charter Member as well as a Life Member. He held Offices in the local post as well as the District. Millard was also a 4th Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus and held numerous offices. Millard was preceded in death by his mother and father, four brothers, and one niece. He is survived by his wife Virginia of the home and their children Linda Velten and husband Bob of Denver Colorado; Cheryl Schulte and husband Rick of Sterling Colorado; Wayne and Val of Amarillo, Texas; Deb Sparks of Boise Idaho; Donna Plummer and husband Joe of Moscow, Idaho; Terri and Jerry Buethe of Tescott, Kansas; and Steve Sparks of Nampa, Idaho; seven grand children, Jeff, Brandon, and D.J. Sparks; Jessica and Danielle Buethe; Anthony and Samuel Plummer; one brother, one sister and a host of nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Sparks was held on Thursday, April 6, 2006 at 10:00 AM at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cheyenne Wells with Father James Ponce officiating. Inurnment followed in the Fairview Cemetery in Cheyenne Wells with full Military Honors. A Rosary service was held on Wednesday, April 5, 2006 at 7:00 PM at the Church in Cheyenne Wells, CO. Memorials may be made to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Building Fund and can be left at the Eastern Colorado Bank in Cheyenne Wells, CO.