Manuel (Sparky) T. Sparks, 90, of Santee, California, passed away on March 2, 2022 in his home, surrounded by loved ones. He was born July 29, 1931, in Martha, Kentucky, the oldest son of Laban T. and Carrie Sparks.
Sparky attended Blaine High School in Blaine, Kentucky, graduating in 1951, where his was crowned the Homecoming King, and later went on to serve his country in the Armed Services as a Private in the Infantry. He served in the Korean War and was stationed in Germany, where he was a guard at the Berlin Wall. He attended Non-Commissioned Officer’s Academy and upon graduation, was promoted to Sargent, serving as Chief of Section in a Mortar Squad. He was honorably discharged in 1953. In 1954, he attended Mayo State Vocational School in Paintsville, Kentucky, where he received his certificate as an Apprentice Machinist. From there he worked at the Jaeger Machine Company in Columbus, Ohio as a Machinist before transferring, in 1962, to the Rocketdyne Division, located in Canoga Park, California. While in Ohio, Sparky took his first flying lessons in 1960. He continued his lesson after moving to California, earning his Private Pilot Certificate May 1, 1966.
Sparky met his wife of 53 years, Marilyn (Erwood) Sparks August 1, 1968 at Whitman Airport. They were introduced through mutual friends. Later that night, they attended a bar-b-que and became inseparable ever since. They got married on November 9, 1969. Sparky happily stepped into the role of dad to Marilyn’s three young children. He created great memories with them, taking them to their favorite fast food places, going on picnics, traveling cross country to Kentucky several times and making dinner plate size pancakes. Some memories that really stood out were the times he spent with his son, Scott, building the Pietenpol Aircamper, eating 40% bran flakes and flying to Ramona with his daughter Sherry and taking his daughter, Lynne, to swap meets.
Sparky lived life to the fullest and on his own terms. He emersed himself into the world of aviation. Building two Pietenpol Aircamper’s and a KR2 from the ground up and rebuilding numerous other planes. He was always generous with his time and knowledge to other aircraft owners. Passing on his knowledge and love of flying to his children. You could often catch Sparky flying around Southern California with one of his beloved dogs.
Sparky retired in 1993, allowing him and Marilyn to travel in their motorhome, making several trips back to Kentucky to visit family and attend reunions. Along the way, they visited National Parks, went hiking and took in the sights. They always traveled with their dogs, who helped make the trips memorable. Especially on one trip where they stole two of the four catfish Marilyn just finished cooking. Sparky and Marilyn also enjoyed attending local Bluegrass festivals. They hosted a small group of bluegrass players every week at their home, sharing music and cinnamon rolls.
Along with his spouse, Marilyn, Sparky is survived by his brother Edsel Sparks; step-children Scott Liefeld, Lynne (Liefeld) Wood, Sherry (Liefeld) McElroy; 8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren with another one on the way and several nieces and nephews.
Sparky is preceded in death by his parents, L.T and Carrie Sparks, his brothers Hedguel Sparks and Maxuel Sparks and his sister Loena (Gilliam) Sparks.
A visitation for Manuel will be held Thursday, March 17, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at El Cajon Mortuary and Cremation Service, 684 South Mollison Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elcajonmortuary.com for the Sparks family.
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