William W. Sparkman

William ""Bill"" W. Sparkman, 95, of Poplar Bluff, died April 10, 2009 at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mr. Sparkman was born February 6, 1914 in the Cane Creek Community in Butler County. He was retired as the owner-operator of Caldwell Cleaners in Poplar Bluff. A long time member of the First Baptist Church; he was a member of the Seekers Class; and an usher and Trustee at the church for many years. Mr. Sparkman was an Army veteran of World War II and enjoyed fishing.

On October 4, 1964 he was married to Neva Barrow in St. Louis. She survives.

Also surviving is a son-in-law, Walter H. Keller of Columbia, Tenn.; 3 grandchildren, Amanda Williams and husband Chas of Olive Branch, Miss., Sarah Howell and husband Robin of Columbia, Tenn., and Hank Keller of Memphis, Tenn.; and 2 great grandchildren, Charlie and Henry Williams.

Mr. Sparkman was preceded in death by his parents, Thaddeus Holmes and Elizabeth Catherine (Burkett) Sparkman; and a daughter, Sherlynn D. Keller.

Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 13, at the First Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Monday at the Church with Dr. William Vail officiating and Rev. Chas Williams assisting. Burial will be in the City Cemetery.

The family requests memorial may be made to the First Baptist Church ""Now and Forever Campaign"" or a charity of one's choice.

Cotrell Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed online to the family at www.cotrellfuneralservice.com.