Herschel A. "H.A." Sparks of Marshall, IL passed away Saturday, May 2, 2015 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ulysses and Mary Roseberry Sparks; brothers, Ova and Carl; sister-in-law, Thelma; brother-in-law, James Skidmore as well as a grandson, Maurice "Marty" Burke. He is survivied by his loving wife of nearly 65 years, Cleta; his two children, Doborah Berry of Mt. Sterling, OH and Sally Sparks of Terre Haute, IN; three grandchildren, Joshua (Laura) Berry, Ryan (Michelle) Burke and Erin Berry; seven great grandchildren, Lane Burke, McKenzie Burke, Damien Burke, Rylan Burke, Johnathan Berry, Jessica Berry, and Elijah Berry; in-laws, Jerry (Vickie) Skidmore and Eleanor Skidmore and numerous nieces and nephews.

Born February 18, 1931 in New Boston, OH, herschel graduated from Minfor High School at Minford, OH in 1949. He married Cleta E. Skidmore on May 27, 1950. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, he later served on the Ohio State Highway Patrol for six years. Herschel next served in the U.S. Federal Penitentiary Service, retiring in 1986 in Terre Haute, IN after postings throughout the country. Never one to sit still, he then worked several years as a security gurard at Terre Haute Regional Hospital. Herschel and Cleta enjoyed traveling througout the country visiting friends and family. Their favorite trip was to drive to Alaska and H.A. expecially enjoyed fishing. Herschel was a great friend to all and will no doubt be remembered for his jokes and sense of humor.

Per Herschel's wishes, there will not be a funeral service, but the family will host a memorial at a later date. For those desiring memorial contributions should be made to the American Diabetes Association.