Jackie Lee Sparks, U.S. Navy chef

Jackie Lee Sparks, 84, of Lewes passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 25, 2018, at Harbor Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Lewes. He was born Monday, March 19, 1934, in Rockville, Ind., son of the late Lloyd and Juanita Sparks.

Mr. Sparks honorably served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam and Korean Conflicts. A career sailor, he was a chef with the Navy, retiring after 22 years. Mr. Sparks enjoyed farming, growing and canning vegetables, raising farm animals, and fishing. He was also a diehard, avid Cubs fan. Mr. Sparks was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Sparks was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte Sparks; his son, Richard Lee Sparks; his three sisters: Helen Marcus, Judy Smith, and Martha Ricketts; and his brother, Harold Sparks. He is survived by his daughter, Martha Taggett and her husband Ted Jakelski Jr. of Lewes; his two stepsons: Steven Squire and his wife Nancy, and Johnny Squire, both of Iowa; his four grandchildren: Heather, Tommy, Janet and Edward; his seven great-grandchildren: Deseray, Cadence, Travis, Alyssa, Niko, Lexi and Cooper; his two sisters: Della Kiger and Shirley Albin; and his two brothers: Jimmy Sparks and Robert Sparks.

All services will be private. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Sparks’ memory to the veterans charity of your selection.

Visit Mr. Sparks' Life Memorial webpage and sign his online guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.