Leonard "Lonnie" Eugene Sparks, Jr., 66, of Muncie, died Sunday night, September 22nd, 2013 at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. He was born August 3rd, 1947 in Muncie, and was the son of the late Leonard Eugene Sr. & Cecilia Elizabeth (Kubacak) Sparks.
Lonnie graduated in 1965 from Muncie Central High School. He worked prior to graduation and after graduation from high school at Precision Hard Chrome. Lonnie proudly and honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era, where he was awarded a purple heart. He was very active in the wheelchair basketball program in the 70''s. Lonnie loved his family greatly and enjoyed spending time with them.
Lonnie is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Rebecca Kay (Haskett) Sparks of Muncie; three daughters, Tracy Billiard (Lynn) of Ft. Wayne, Brandi Swoboda (Jamie) of Muncie, and Shanna Rhodes (Chris) of Florence, KY; four grandchildren, Sierra and Ayden Billiard of Ft.Wayne, Parker Rhodes of Florence, KY, and Tru Swoboda of Muncie; a sister Kathy Lusby of Muncie; four brothers, Larry Sparks of Frankton, Billy Sparks of Marion, Kenny Sparks of Muncie, and Victor Sparks (Kelly) of Muncie; several nieces and nephews and many close friends also survive.
Funeral Services for Lonnie will be held Friday, September 27th, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Garden View Funeral Home, with Pastor Chris Bunch officiating. Burial with military honors conducted by the United States Army and the Delaware County Honor Guard will follow in Gardens of Memory Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, with envelopes provided at the funeral home.