MARSHALL, IL. - Herschel A. "H.A." Sparks, of Marshall, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2015, 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 grandson, Maurice "Marty" Burke. 

He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 65 years, Cleta; his two children, Deborah Berry of Mt. Sterling, Ohio and Sally Sparks of Terre Haute, Indiana; 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, Ohio, Herschel graduated from Minford High School (Minford, Ohio) in 1949, and married Cleta E. Skidmore on May 27, 1950. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, he later served in the Ohio State Highway Patrol for six years. Herschel next served in the U.S. Federal Penitentiary Service, retiring in 1986 in Terre Haute, Indiana after postings throughout the country. Never one to sit still, he then worked several years as a security guard at Terre Haute Regional Hospital.

Herschel and Cleta enjoyed travelling throughout the country visiting friends and family. Their favorite trip was to drive to Alaska, and H.A. especially 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.