John R. Sparks, 87, of Linton, passed away on Saturday June 16, 2012, at Sullivan County Community Hospital in Sullivan, Indiana. He was born on October 24, 1924, in New Palestine, Indiana, to Chester and Clara (Thomas) Sparks. He married Helen L. (Hess) on May 3, 1944.

John was a US Army veteran who served in WW II. He worked for US Rubber for 24 years before he retired in 1987. John was a member of the Dugger First Baptist Church and was 50 year member and Past Master of the Masonic Lodge 721 F & AM . John was also a member of the American Legion Post #224.

Survivors include his wife, Helen L. Sparks; one son, Allen (Patricia) Sparks of Indianapolis; one daughter, Catherine (Perry) Cobb of Anderson; four grandchildren, Barrette and Troy Goodman, Brandon and Cindy Cobb; Sara and Ryan Detig and Cari and Andrew Chastain; and 9 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Tom Sparks of Shelbyville.

John was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Robert Sparks and one sister, Edith Hubbs.

The family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association. Envelopes will be available at the Funeral Home.

Friends may call at the Anderson-Poindexter Memory Chapel in Linton from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday June 19, 2012 with a Masonic Memorial Service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue from 9:00 AM until the hour of service on Wednesday. Funeral Services will begin at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, June 20, 2012 with Pastor Bryan Hult officiating. Interment will be held at 2:30 PM at Forest Lawn Cemetery, in Greenwood, IN with Military Graveside services.

Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonpoindexter.com