Michael "Mike" Dean Sparks

Michael (Mike) D. “Sparky” Sparks, 67, of Energy, previously of Carterville, entered the arms of Jesus on Friday, August 30, 2024, at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale.  

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 5, 2024, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, with Pastor TJ Gentry and Kent Zimmer officiating. Burial will be in North Oakwood Cemetery in Carterville. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to the SIH Cancer Center.  

Mike was born November 11, 1956, in Herrin, to John Raymond and Katharine Marie (Mabry) Sparks. He married his long-term partner, Chasity Lynn Winters on December 2, 2023, in Energy.

He is survived by a daughter, Holly (Chad) Burks of Herrin; sons, Olin (Stephanie) Sparks of Clarksville, Tennessee, and Eric (Alexis) Sparks of Carterville; stepdaughters, Miranda Hertter and Rachyl “Grace” Winters of Dongola; sisters, Linda Reed of Johnston City and Doris (Michael) Kiesling of Carterville; grandchildren, Bryndle (Shane) McCowen, Jaxton Burks, Dakoda and Noah Sparks, Evangeline Sparks, Oliver Hertter and Tyler Jack;  mother-in-law, Cindy (Ronnie) Beshears of Grand Rivers, Kentucky; brother-in-law, Dave Hock; and two nephews and four nieces. 

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Brenda Sparks and Sharon “Sparki” Hock; brother-in-law, Norris “Red” Reed; and niece, Amy Chaney. 

Mike was a graduate of Carterville High School.  After high school, Mike went into the automotive service field where he worked at several local dealerships as a mechanic and service manager.  Mike had recently retired from Menard’s in Marion.   

He enjoyed spending his retirement fishing with his wife.  Mike was a “Mr. Fix-It” who had an uncanny ability to build or fix anything in front of him.  He could often be found tinkering with some new project in his workshop, or making sure his lawn was impeccably mowed.

Mike was a lifelong NASCAR and St. Louis Cardinal fan, rarely missing a race or a game. He was a proud supporter of the US military, and loved to share how both his sons were Veterans.   He was known as a storyteller and had a famous sense of humor.   He was quick with a joke, and prided himself on how many tall tales he could tell, and what he could make his friends and family believe.

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