Raymond Eugene Sparks, age 73 of Monroe, passed away on Wednesday, August 17, 2022, at his home. Memorial services will be held on Monday, August 22, 2022, at 11:00 am at the Prairie City Church of the Brethren. The family will greet friends following at the church. The son of Billy Eugene and Evelyn (Kool) Sparks, Ray was born on January 1, 1949, in Oskaloosa, Iowa. On February 14, 1990, he was united in marriage to Eva O'Dell in Marshalltown. Ray worked at Maytag for 31 years, retiring in 1999. After retiring from Maytag, he ran an independent motorcycle shop, Wooden Shoe Customs in Monroe, IA. He loved traveling in his motorhome, riding motorcycles, street rodding and he was a huge Packers, and New York Yankees fan. He loved his children and grandchildren, and he never knew a stranger. He was also a member of the UAW. Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Eva; children, Jennifer Van Wyk, Jodi Hartman, Kim (Devon) Van De Kieft and Anna Sparks; 12 grandchildren, Klaeton (Holly) Van De Kieft, Paige (Van De Kieft) (Josiah) Jack, Jacob Van Wyk, Kortney Van Wyk, Drew Mortensen, Nate Hartman, Anastasia Hartman, Izaak Hartman, Sebastian Hartman, William Van De Kieft, Isabella Van De Kieft, and Sydnie Van De Kieft and three great grandchildren. Preceding Ray in death were his parents.