Mark 'Sparky' Sparks
Updated: 3 days ago
Mark (Sparky) Sparks was born to Cecil and Josephine Sparks on November 21st, 1965, in Des Moines IA, and went home to be with the Lord on September 22nd, 2026. He lived a life of joy, kindness, warmth, and doing anything he could for everyone he knew.
Mark was the youngest of six children and lived all around Des Moines for his entire life.
In 1986, Mark married the love of his life, Diane. They spent over 40 wonderful years together.
Mark had many adventures over the years. He always had a hobby or project to work on. Amongst his many hobbies, Mark loved the outdoors: fishing, swimming, hunting, camping, racing, riding motorcycles, or even just sitting outside by a fire in the backyard. Mark was an avid Iowa State fan even though his oldest granddaughter goes to the University of Iowa. He enjoyed spending time at Leisure Lake in Missouri with his parents and loved it so much that in 2020 he and his wife Diane bought property there of their own. For 20 years Mark served his community as a fire fighter in Delaware Township, responding to countless calls day or night for anyone who needed help; first as a medic and fireman, then as a captain, and finally as the chief. His greatest passion for the entirety of his life was his family. He was someone you could laugh with, confide in, and was a shoulder to cry on for anyone. Mark also loved his pets; he will be missed by his dog Gabby as well as his grand dogs. He had a soft but steady hand, and he had compassion in his heart for everyone. He was so proud of his girls, his grandchildren, and all their accomplishments.
Mark is survived by his loving wife, Diane; his daughters Amanda (Rich) Atkinson, and Kristina (Austin) Thayer; his grandchildren, Rylie, Isaiah, Shane, Serena, and Jaxon; his brother Curt (Vicky) Sparks; his sisters Joan Hopper, Patty (Woody) Collins, Kathy (Art) Reisinger; his mother-in-law Vera Prangler; his brother in law Dennis (Ellen) Carico, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Mark was preceded in death his daughter Amy, his parents Cecil and Josephine, and his brother Butch.
Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of Mark on Monday, September 28th, 2026, at Merle Hay Funeral Home Chapel, 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, Iowa. Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. the following day Tuesday, September 29th, 2026, at the Merle Hay Funeral Home Chapel. You may watch the service live by following this link: https://player.vimeo.com/video/1230561583. After the live stream the link will remain active as a recording.
After the ceremony everyone is invited to a celebration of life at Local 450 UAW Union Hall, 4589 NW 6th Drive, Des Moines, Iowa. This time together after the service will allow everyone an opportunity to celebrate the Life and lives touched by Mark, have a meal, share memories, and remember a man who lived much, laughed often, and loved more than the 60 short years we had with him.