9/26/1961 – 2/26/2026
Lawrence
David Sparkes was born in Lawrence Kansas on September 26, 1961, to James E. Sparkes and Charlotte M. (Hoffman) Sparkes.
His career started when he was 14, working for his father doing HVAC work. He was a laborer for Royal Plumbing until 1981. Then he worked for Patchen Electric Supply until being accepted into the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union in 1983. Then he worked for Huxtable & Associates doing HVAC work. In 1990, he worked for Chaney Plumbing doing the same work. In 1999, he was Maintenance Supervisor at the Douglas County jail for 16 years. Then he was the Director of Building & Grounds for Douglas County until 2021. Then he took a part time job working for Custom Mobile Equipment in Baldwin assembling large fork trucks when he fully retired in 2023. He enjoyed working with his hands the most.
He graduated from Lawrence High in 1979. Married Debbie Eubanks in 1981. He knew that Debbie was the one for him. Together they raised one daughter.
David’s hobbies were boating, water skiing, atv riding, and traveling in their camper. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, cruises, and resorts in the Caribbean. He went to many Nascar races.
David enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He especially enjoyed the time spent with nieces and nephews. Most of all, he enjoyed the time he got to spend with his granddaughters, Emerie and Addisyn.
A memorial service will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday March 14, 2026 at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church of Lawrence. Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
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