Gene Sparling Jr.

December 14, 1924 - December 23, 2017

Gene Sparling, Jr. age 93, passed away December 23, 2017. He was born in Kirksville Missouri and spent his childhood in Hot Springs, Arkansas. At age 18, he was called to serve the U.S. Navy in World War II, in the Philippines. It was during this time that an exchange of letters with a young Dorothy Jo Bethel, sparked a romance that lasted the rest of both of their lives. After raising their children in Springfield, Missouri, he left his career in the dairy industry, and he and Jody returned to Hot Springs. There they opened an antique shop, The Sassafras Shop, and later built their dream home, Stillmeadow Farm Bed and Breakfast Inn. They both loved nature and particularly floating the rivers of the Ozarks. Gene served the Lake Hamilton Fire Department as board member and President for many years. He was a long serving volunteer at Garvan Woodland Gardens and a member of Oaklawn Methodist church. He was devoted to his family above all else and always tried to do the right thing and foster goodwill towards all. He was preceded in death by his wife and partner of 66 Years, Jo Bethel Sparling and by his parents and siblings. He is survived by his daughter, Libby Sanders, (Doyle), son, Gene Sparling III, grandchildren Jody Heavin, (Chris), Doug Sanders, (Sherry), Madeline Sparling, (Jamie), McKinley Sparling, and great grandchildren, Trista Heavin, Collin Heavin and Kenna Sanders. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Nature Conservancy of Arkansas. There will be a celebration of his good life and positive attitude on January 6th, from 1pm to 3pm at 111 Stillmeadow Lane. Please stop by to help us remember this good man and his jovial, kind spirit.