Obituary of Warren K. Sparks

Warren K. Sparks, 77, of Iowa City died January 25, 2010, at the Iowa City Health Care and Rehabilitation Center. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 1, 2010, at First Presbyterian Church at 2701 Rochester Avenue in Iowa City. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church. Memorial donations can be made in Warren’s memory to Frank Baird Scholarship Fund at Broad Ripple High School in Indianapolis, Indiana or the National Parkinson’s Foundation. Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com. Warren K. Sparks was born December 24, 1932, in Indianapolis, Indiana the son of Warren and Mable Sparks. He was an all-city athlete. After graduating from high school, he attended Butler University in Indianapolis, where he was in the Sigma Chi fraternity. Warren joined the Armed Forces and served during the Korean Conflict. He married Cherry Sheppard on April 14, 1957, in Indianapolis. The couple lived there until moving to Des Moines in 1962, where they raised their family. He spent all his working years in the steel business. Warren started Contractors Steel Corporation in Des Moines in 1973, opening up a branch in Wilton in 1986. In 1995 he retired, Warren and Cherry moved to Iowa City at that time. Warren had been a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines, the First Presbyterian Church in Iowa City, the Iowa and American Concrete Paving Associations, and the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute. He was a 33rd degree Mason. Warren was a fun loving person that generated many friends in his lifetime. He was also an avid sports fan and antique collector. His family includes his wife, Cherry; son, Warren (Kathy) Sparks of Shawnee, Kansas; grandchildren, Warren and Winter Sparks; daughter, Robin (Edwin) Ricci of Dallas, Texas; grandchildren, Savannah and Lindsey Ricci; and sister, Mary Ann Lowe of Hales Corners, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Sally Kellerhals. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Warren’s family and his services.