Columbus, OH — Kirk A. Sparks, 47, was taken away from us tragically soon on March 11, 2019, to be with his Lord.

He was born Jan. 31, 1972, to the late Oakley L. and Virgie M. (Coffman) Sparks. He was born in Marion, Ohio, and graduated from Pleasant High School. He married Cary D. Williams on April 24, 1999, at Grace Baptist Church in Marion by Rev. Bill Middleton.

Mr. Sparks loved training horses with his dad, Oakley, and worked as a trainer off and on for 27-plus years, thus most recently being self employed as a Standardbred trainer.

If Mr. Sparks was known by one thing, it was the love he had for his kids — he doted on them. He was so proud of their academic and sports accomplishments. He also taught them the value of hard work. In his spare time, he loved to hunt and fish, but regularly had his kids going with him.

Mr. Sparks was preceded in death by his parents, Oakley and Virgie. He will be missed by his wife, Cary D. (Williams); son, Mason A.; daughter, Laine M.; brother, Oakley L. (Tina); as well as many friends and co-workers.

The family will receive friends and family for calling hours from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday (March 15) at Grace Baptist Church, 1560 Marion-Marysville Rd., Marion, Ohio. The funeral service will immediately follow at 1 p.m. at the church, officiated by Rev. Bill Middleton. Following the service, burial will be at Caledonia Cemetery in Caledonia.

Memorial contributions may be given to the charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences may be given through www.boydbornfuneralhome.com.

Financial donations may be given through https://www.gofundme.com/vva2f2-sparks-family to contribute toward paying for funeral costs and unforeseen financial needs.