Justin Matthew Sparks was born on March 7, 1977, in Houston, Mo. He is the son of Mike Sparks of Houston, Mo., and Dana Norris-Harper of Urbana, Mo.. He passed away at home on July 31, 2014.
He was united in marriage to Deanna Shelton on Nov. 23, 2011. They brought to the marriage three beautiful children, Bailie, Cody and Maci and added to their family another blessing Ashlin Paige. She was her “Daddy’s Little Lucy.”
Justin was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother and friend. He loved sports. If he wasn’t watching games on TV, he was getting updates on his phone. Even though he was a Houston Tiger at heart, he traded his red and black for Licking Wildcats, orange and black. He was always involved with his kids whether it was watching or coaching. Justin was their number 1 fan. He would be the first to praise them but also the first to correct them, “Justin Style.” His famous words to Bailie was “Get Big” and Maci was known to hear “Post-up!” Justin loved spending time with his friends and family, having big BBQs, playing shuffleboard and relaxing at the lake. His family was the center of his life.
He is survived by his wife, Deanna; daughters, Bailie, Maci and Ashlin; one son, Cody, all of Licking, Mo.; father, Mike (Dana) Sparks of Houston, Mo.; mom, Dana-Norris Harper of Urbana, Mo.; two brothers, Michael (Kenna) Sparks of Wamen, Ark., and Tyler Sparks of Houston, Mo.; one sister, Kate Harper of Houston, Mo.; and Grandma Dorene Norris of Houston, Mo. He is also survived by a host of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death are his grandparents, Wayne Norris, Charles Sparks and Ouita Huitt.
Justin will greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He was definitely “one of a kind.”
Graveside service are Monday, Aug. 4, 2014, in Pine Lawn Cemetery in Houston, Mo., with Cody Neugebauer speaking. Pallbearers are Tony McNew, Willy Walker, Brad Gayer, Dane Long, Randy Walker and Wayne Harper.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Educational Fund for the Sparks Children. All arrangements were under the direction of Fox Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.foxfh.net.
