Guy (Mel) Melbourne Sparks

Guy Melbourne “Mel” Sparks, 90, died September 17 at Christian Healthcare and Rehab in Hermitage, MO. He was born in Oakley, KS, on July 21, 1924, the eldest son of Guy Leonard Sparks and Lura Mae Sparks. After graduating from Oakley High School in 1942, he attended Kansas City Dental College for one year and Washburn University, Topeka, KS, for three years. He served in the U.S. Navy from November 1942 to December 1944 in the V12 program at Washburn University and Officers School at Washburn and Asbury Park, NJ. On September 23, 1945, he married Doris Jean Weatherbie in Kansas City, KS, and to this union four sons were born, Richard, David, Jeffrey and Brent. He lived in Kansas City and Topeka, and moved to Oakley in 1951 were he owned and operated the Centre Theater until 1976, where he enjoyed showing new movie releases to the community with help from his family. The family moved to Goodland, KS, in 1967 where Mel worked for the Kansas State Employment Service. He relocated to Colby, KS, in 1980 still working for the State of Kansas until his retirement. Mel and Doris relocated to Bolivar, MO, in 2000 to be closer to family. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Bolivar. He also enjoyed being a member of the Masonic Lodges in Oakley and Goodland. Mel and Doris started square dancing lessons in Colby in the early 80's and enjoyed going to square dances around the country for many years. They also went on several trips to Hawaii, cruises, and winters in Arizona. He was a long time Kansas Jayhawks basketball fan, attending games in the early 50's. Survivors include his wife, Doris Sparks who resides at Christian Healthcare and Rehab in Hermitage, MO; son Jeff Sparks and wife Robin of Pittsburg, MO; grandsons Tyler Sparks of St. Louis, MO and Trevor Sparks of Pittsburg, MO: son Brent Sparks of Overland Park, KS; sister Maureen Selley and husband Lowell of Olathe, KS; several niece and nephews. He was preceded in death by brother Gary Sparks, and sons Richard and David. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2014 at 2:00 PM in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. J. C. Harp officiating. Burial will be on Monday, September 29, 2014 at the Oakley Cemetery in Oakley, KS under the care and direction of the Butler Funeral Home of Bolivar. Cards can be sent to Doris Sparks at PO Box 33, Bolivar, MO 65613. Family and friends may sign the guestbook or leave private condolences at www.butlerfuneralhome.com PDF Printable Version

Guy (Mel) Melbourne Sparks

July 21, 1924 - September 17, 2014