Clayton Sparks

Clayton F. Sparks, 98, of rural Elsie, passed away Monday, October 18, 2021, at his home. 

Clayton was born February 2, 1923, at Elsie, Nebraska, to Ira and Margaret E. Sparks. He graduated from Elsie High School. 

In November of 1944, Clayton entered the US Army, serving as a paratrooper in the Philippines during WWII. On February 20, 1944, Clayton married Mary Jean Schumacher, and their union would be blessed with three children, Terry, Donnie, and Cathy. 

Clayton farmed between Madrid and Elsie his entire life.

 He was a simple man that found great fulfillment in his work and was deeply patriotic. 

He made lasting friendships that he valued, many of which came from his days in the service. 

Clayton lived life with a frugality that was often characteristic of his generation, but he did splurge on cars. 

Though he was a man of agriculture and the outdoors, Clayton’s favorite Mustangs were of the Ford variety. 

Preceded in death: wife Mary Jean; an infant son; daughter, Cathy; brother, Earl Sparks; a great-grandchild.

Clayton is survived by his son Terry (Joan) Sparks of Cheyenne, Wyo.; four grandchildren, Fearil Sparks, Sandiee (Dave) Knupp, Lindy (Brian) Snyder, Shon (Myongah) Sparks; seven great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren. Survivors also include his good friends, Mark (Sheila) Olson of Elsie, Jim (Patsy) Wills of Ark. and Annie Helms of Ill.

Visitation was Monday, October 25, 2021, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Bullock-Long Funeral Home in Grant.

Services were Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at 10:30 a.m., at the Elsie United Methodist Church, with Pastor Joey Flores officiating. 

Burial with military honors will be in the Wallace Morning View Cemetery.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.