Gerald “Sparky” Sparks, 59, of Dahinda, formerly of Peoria, passed away on Sunday, October 30, 2005 in his home, with his family by his side.

  Jerry was born on July 17, 1946 in Peoria, son of Roy Verne and Margie Irene Hoyland Sparks.  He married Susie Smith on June 16, 1984 in East Peoria.  She survives.

  He is also survived by three daughters, Leigh (Ray) Kuhn of Chillicothe, Jeanie LeRoy (Damien Bantz) of Williamsfield and Jennifer (Larry) Dalpiaz of East Peoria; son, Jay (Tara) Sparks of Metamora; three brothers, Robert (Judy) of Williamsfield, John of Dahinda and Kevin (Tracey) of Hanna City; half-brother, Terry (Donna) Hoyland of Florida; seven grandsons; one granddaughter; special niece, Tricia Pericak; and special cousin, Holly Chism.  His parents and one infant grandson, Keegan Bantz, preceded him in death.

  Jerry was a retired maintenance mechanic for Caterpillar, Inc.  He was formerly employed by M & H Equipment as a forklift mechanic and at General Mills as a mechanic.  He was a U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran, serving from 1966-1970.  He was a member of the Bartonville American Legion and the Peoria Heights VFW.

  In younger years, Jerry enjoyed racing stock cars and camping.  Later in life, he enjoyed traveling, four-wheeling, going to auctions, playing poker at family gatherings and tinkering with old cars.  He enjoyed listening to the oldies and Bob Seger.  “Old-time Rock ‘n’ Roll” and “Soul Man” were his favorite songs.  He was a fan of the Chicago Bears and enjoyed collecting knives, guns and hats.  Jerry enjoyed going to Alexander’s Steak House and the Par-A-Dice and loved visiting the Table Rock Lake and Rutledge, Missouri.  His family and friends were the most important things in his life and he will be remembered for being a wonderful husband and father.  He was always caring and giving.

  Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Thursday at Unity Church of Peoria, 3117 N. Avalon, with Pastor Terry England officiating.  Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday at Clary Funeral Consultants, 1625 W. Candletree Dr., Peoria.  Interment was held at Mackinaw Township Cemetery in Mackinaw, IL, with Military Honors provided by the Bartonville American Legion and the United States Army active duty.  Taps was performed by the Rev. Judy Doyle and a single white dove was released by his youngest grandsons, through Journey's Dove Release of East Peoria.  Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

  Arrangements entrusted to Clary Funeral Consultants, Inc., Peoria, www.claryfunerals.com