Roger Lee Sparks

Roger Lee Sparks, 78, of Runnells, formerly of Newton, died on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at Accura Healthcare of Newton. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 10, 2023, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.  Memorials to Ducks Unlimited may be left at the funeral home.

Roger, the son of Merle and Helen (Kaisand) Sparks, was born on February 19, 1945 in St. Francis Hospital in Grinnell. He grew up in rural Jasper County between Newton and Grinnell.  Roger was a 1963 graduate of Newton High School. In high school he was active in many sports including being on the 1963 State Championship basketball team.  After high school, he went to Drake University to play football and would graduate with a degree in Journalism. Roger made his home south of Newton and began his career as an editor and writer for outdoor sportsman magazines, including the Iowa Conservationist and then multiple national publications. Roger then moved to the rural Runnells area. On December 3, 1999, Roger was united in marriage with Connie Moon in Ottumwa. Roger enjoyed hunting and fishing, playing music, and cheering for his favorite local college sports teams.

Roger is survived by his wife, Connie Gwen Sparks of rural Runnells; children, Kelly LaVigne of McHenry, Illinois, Bradley Sparks (Carrie Miller) of Tallahassee, Florida, and Nathan Sparks of Altoona; his step-son, Chad Boydston of Kansas City, Missouri; and his grandchildren, Thomas, Zoe, and Penny.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Ron Sparks.

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