Paul W. Sparks

Paul W. Sparks, 87 of Garrett, passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Astral of Auburn.

He was born on September 17, 1938 in Jimtown, Indiana to F. Hazen and Beatrice (Patrick) Sparks.  He was a 1956 graduate of Garrett High School where he was a good athlete.  He ran track and field at both Garrett High School and Taylor University.           

Paul married Dixie J. Smith on January 15, 1961 at the United Methodist Church in Decatur, Indiana.

He worked in the trucking industry for 42 years before retiring from Connections Freightways in Fort Wayne in 2003 as the terminal manager.  After retiring from the trucking industry, Paul worked for the Garrett State Bank as a courier for several years.  He was a member of the Garrett United Methodist Church and the Eagles in Garrett. 

Paul was always telling a joke, he loved to make people laugh and bring a smile to their face.  He enjoyed playing golf and tennis and he was an avid card player.  One of his favorite things to do was to spend time at the family cottage up in Wisconsin fishing and playing cards.  Paul also enjoyed spending time with his family, he especially enjoyed supporting his kids and grandkids in all of their activities. 

Survivors include:

His wife of 65 years, Dixie Sparks of Garrett.

Son and daughter-in-law, Carson and Sharon Sparks of Houston, Texas.

Son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Ronda Sparks of Weeki Wachee, Florida.

Daughter and son-in-law, Cyndy and Jason Davenport of Angola.

Daughter and son-in-law, Sandy and Lonnie Lanning of Garrett.

Ten grandchildren, Hayley Lambright, Brandon Sparks, Katie Khan, Sarah Brasseale, Travis Davenport, Tyler Lanning, Kyle Lanning, Erin Rahm, Jarrett Griswold, Alexander Sparks.

14 great grandchildren.

Sister, Ruth Ochsenrider of Fairfield Glade, Tennessee.

Sister-in-law, Margaret Sparks of Battle Creek, Michigan.

Many loving nieces, nephews and other extended family members.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert Sparks; sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Phillip Meredith and brother-in-law, Robert Ochsenrider;

A gathering of friends and family will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 South Center Street in Auburn. 

A memorial service will be follow the gathering at the funeral home at 3:00 PM with Pastor Tim Khan officiating.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Paul to the Garrett United Methodist Church, 110 West Houston Street, Garrett, Indiana 46738 or to Luminary Hospice, 421 East Cook Road, Suite 400, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46825.

Condolences may be sent to the family at fellerandclark.com and on our Facebook page at Feller and Clark Funeral Home.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Feller and Clark Funeral Home in Auburn.

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