Johnnie D. Sparks

Johnnie D. Sparks, age 89, of Ligonier, IN passed away on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at 2:08 PM at his home in Ligonier, IN. He was born on August 4, 1929 the son of Clyde Sparks and Delphi (Belcher) Payne. On January 17, 1954 he married Barbara Mullins; she survives.

Johnnie is survived by 2 sons, Timothy Sparks of Topeka, and Johnnie Sparks of Albion; 3 daughters, Sharon (Ernie) Miller of Ligonier, Tammy (Harvey) Taylor of Ligonier, Mendy Myers of Virginia; 15 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and 7 great-great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Glenn (Patricia) Payne of WV and Bubby (Evelyn) Payne of WV; 2 sisters, Susie Lester of Fort Wayne, and Phyllis Morris of WV, and brother in law Rick Madden of Leesburg, IN.  He was preceded in death by his parents; son Paul Sparks; daughter Diana Shearer; 1 grandchild; 2 great-grandchildren; brother Jack Sparks; and a sister Elaine Madden

Johnnie served his country honorably in the United States Army and was a Top Gunner and Communication Lineman while in the Korean War. He was a member of The Ligonier and Millersburg American Legion, enjoyed working on and racing cars, and was a jack of all trades. He also enjoyed playing Blue Grass music on his guitar.

A Funeral Service will be held in Johnnie’s honor on Saturday May 4, 2019 at 11am at Shiloh Baptist Church, 709 Johnson St, Ligonier, IN 46767. Pastor Jimmy Shepherd will officiate. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Topeka, IN.

Family and friends will be received on Friday May 3, 2019 form 2-4pm and 6-8pm, and also 1 hour prior to the service on Saturday from 10am until 11am at the church.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.