John Junior Sparklin

John Junior Sparklin, 72, of Millersburg, died Tuesday morning, November 8, 2011, at IU Health Goshen Hospital where he had been a patient since Sunday, Oct. 30. He was born in Goshen on August 19, 1939 to Charles and Audrey (Cart) Sparklin. He was married to Peggy (Boyer) Sparklin Willits and they had four children who survive; Jean Sparklin, Millersburg, Julie (Peter) Lima, Fort Mill, S.C., Jim (Sarah) Sparklin, Albuquerque, N.M., and Joe (Tammy) Sparklin, Millersburg; nine grandchildren, Mackenzie and Trevor Lima, Damon, Gina, Charity, Dustin and Tyler Sparklin, and Nathan and Holly Abshire; two great-granddaughters, Bella and Stella Sparklin; two sisters, Nancy M. Miller and Florance L. Sparklin, both of Goshen; and a brother, Phillip D. (Beverly) Sparklin, Kissimmee, Fla. He was preceded in death by his parents; two grandsons, John and Matthew Lima; and a brother-in-law, Floyd Miller. A 1958 graduate of Millersburg High School, Mr. Sparklin served honorably for two years with the US Army while stationed at Fort Benning, Ga. He graduated from Humboldt Institute, Minneapolis, Minn. in 1960, achieving a degree in air traffic control. He enjoyed flying having earned his private pilot's license. He returned to farming upon his discharge and worked the family farm for most of his life. During his many years farming, he also worked at Dairy Farm Products until retiring in 2004 after 32 years. During his retirement years he worked at Pine Manor, New Paris until his health began to fail. He was a member of the Millersburg Lions Club and Teamsters Union #364. John had an exceptionally strong work ethic and all who knew him will remember his tireless efforts on behalf of his family. Friends may call 2-8 p.m., Thursday, November 10, and one hour prior to the 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 11, 2011, funeral service at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. Rev. Todd Prough of Spirit Faith Fellowship, Goshen, will officiate. Burial will follow in Jackson Cemetery, Benton. Memorial contributions may be given to Goshen Care at Home Hospice.