Vernon Cleo Sparks, age 87, of Thorn Trace Drive, Mt. Sterling, formerly of Shelby, Ohio, passed away Sunday, November 20, 2016, at Windsor Care in Mt. Sterling. He was born October 22, 1929, at Haldeman in Rowan County, a son of the late Charlie Miller Sparks and Anna Mabry Sparks. Besides his parents, Vernon was preceded in death by his twelve brothers and sisters: Vesta White, Virgil Sparks, Monnie Puckett, Arthur D. Sparks, Bert Sparks, Harvey Sparks, Martha Susan Blevins, Edgar Sparks, Cora Ellen Sparks, Berl Sparks, Eula Mae Foster, and Myrtle Sparks. On February 14, 1953, Vernon married the love of his life, Ethel Loraine Link Sparks, who passed away March 27, 2010. He is survived by 14 nieces and nephews; extended family; and friends. Vernon retired from Empire Detroit Steel in Mansfield, Ohio, after working 40 years as an overhead crane operator. He enjoyed fishing, turkey shooting, and playing cards and baseball. Graveside services will be held 2 p.m. Friday, November 25, 2016, at Oakland Cemetery, Shelby, Ohio, with the Rev. Bruce Copley officiating. Visitation will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, November 23, 2016, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals in Morehead, Kentucky. Visitation: Wednesday, November 23, 2016, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Funeral: Friday, November 25, 2016, 2 p.m., Oakland Cemetery, Shelby, Ohio Interment: Oakland Cemetery, Shelby, Ohio