Vern Robert Sparks, Jr.

Vern R. Sparks, Jr. passed away after a hunting accident and went home to be with the Lord Thursday December 12, 2019. Vern was born February 26, 1956 in Detroit the son of Vern and Shirley (Kranz) Sparks. He was a U.S. Army veteran serving in the Military Police. Vern retired from the Kalamazoo Water Dept. and was an avid sportsman especially duck, deer and pheasant hunting. He was a member of the Rod & Gun Club and was a Little League and Rocket Football coach. On April 11, 1983 in Victoria, TX Vern was united in marriage to the former Peggy Stephens who survives. Also surviving are a son, Christopher (Deanna) Sparks of Plainwell; brother, Thomas Retzlaff of Dade City, FL; sister, Kathy Retzlaff-Brown of Austin, TX; four grandchildren, Vivienne, Robert, Brian, William and a grandchild due in June; mother, Shirley Sparks of Traverse City; nieces & nephews, Eric Sparks, Jessica Patterson, Michael, Trey Stephens, Stephen, Maggie Niewoonder, Jacqueline, Noelle, Robyn Stephens. He was preceded in death by his father Vern Sparks; brother, Steven Sparks. Friends will be received 6-8 pm Wednesday December 18, 2019 at Parchment Redmond Funeral Home, 2300 East "G" Ave. Parchment, MI 49004 (269) 349-7735 where services will be held 1 pm Thursday. Interment will be in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project or Pheasants Forever. www.redmondfuneralhomes.net