Joseph W. Sparks, age 90 of Prairie City, passed away on Friday, June 26, 2020 at MercyOne in Des Moines. A small family memorial was held for Joe on Thursday, July 2, 2020. We saw a wild turkey and a deer. Dad would have loved that. When this world settles down and it is safe for all of our family and friends, we will have a picnic in his honor with lots of good food and stories. Condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com The son of Lowell Dorr and Lucille Ann (Alspaugh) Sparks, Joe was born on September 21, 1929, in West Plains, Missouri. On March 24, 1952, he was united in marriage to Leora Lucille Furnoy. He proudly served in the United States Army. Joe worked for the United States Postal Service for 32 years. Joe enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking (which he was famous for), golf and golf trips. Those left to honor his memory include two daughters, Patricia Toal and husband Keith and Janet Van Kley and husband Jamie; grandchildren, Erik Newlin, Christopher Braunschweig and fiancé Elizabeth, Danielle Sherwood; two great-grandchildren; sisters Barbara Jennings and husband Duane, Marjorie Scharnhorst and husband Wayne Norma DeReus; and cousin Jackie Walker and husband Frank. Preceding Joe in death were his parents, his wife Leora, and brothers Dorr and Kyle. Erik and I would like to thank everyone for all of their kind words, phone calls, cards, food, flowers and support. It was truly helpful.