Joe Ray Sparks a life long resident of Hitchita, died May 30, 2020 at his home in Hitchita at the age of 92. He was born May 21st, 1928 in Arbeka to John R. Sparks and Lula Mae (Howell) Sparks.
Joe worked as a farmer and propane driver and retired at age 62. He was a member of the Hitchita Freewill Baptist Church. He married Mary Jean March 4, 1950 in Checotah, Oklahoma.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jean Sparks, his parents, John R. Sparks and Lula Mae Sparks, a sister, Wanda Sparks Sims, and brothers J. B. Sparks and Charles William Sparks.
He is survived by his daughter Debbie Crosby and husband Gary; son, Terry Sparks and Jennifer Brinker; grandchildren: Chad and Jayme Crosby, Jamie and Crystal Crosby, Tasha and Cole Hix, Kevin and Angie Trappmen, Carrie Trappmen, and Shannon Crosby, and Mandy McCullar, also by 17 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.; sister, Margaret Hamm; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, friends and other relatives.
Viewing will be Wednesday, June 3 from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Mr. Sparks' grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m., Thursday, June 4, 2020 at Hitchita Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Wayne Patton officiating. Mr. Sparks will be laid to rest by his beloved wife, Mary in Lackey Cemetery under direction of Integrity Funeral Service.