Larry Neal Sparks, age 85, of Exline, IA, passed away on Friday, September 18, 2026, at MercyOne Medical Center in Centerville, IA.
Larry was born on January 12, 1941, at home in Cincinnati, IA, to Henry and Mabel (Ross) Sparks. When he was 12 years old, Larry and his family moved to Rockford, IL, where he grew up and attended school, graduating from East High School in 1958. On June 24, 1960, Larry married his high school sweetheart, Darlene Axelson, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Rockford, IL. Larry and Darlene were blessed with 66 years of marriage prior to his passing.
Larry worked for many years as a supervisor at the Chrysler Corporation in Rockford before returning to the Centerville area where he worked at Young’s Radiator. He was a very talented and hardworking man and built 3 houses in his lifetime. He also enjoyed helping his grandson, Neal, with projects on his acreage and working construction.
A man of strong faith, Larry was an active member of the Bridge Church and belonged to the Man Cave, a men’s bible study group.
Larry loved to travel and was always looking at maps. He and Darlene wintered in Dunedin, FL, for 22 years where they were active in kayaking and biking, among many other fun activities, with many newfound friendships. Larry traveled to approximately 42 states in his lifetime and especially enjoyed exploring the outdoors. Camping and being on the water were among his favorite times. He always had a ski boat and used to enjoy slolam water skiing. He enjoyed fishing at 10 Mile Lake in Minnesota and enjoyed setting jugs at Lake Thunderhead with his son-in-law, Henry. Larry loved to go snow skiing in Colorado with his family. In the last few years, Larry enjoyed a few trips to Branson, MO, with his family, his brother Carl and his wife Doris, and his cousin Bruce and his wife Connie. Larry and Darlene enjoyed trail riding with their granddaughter Emily and had many horses throughout the years.
Above all else, Larry loved his family and his family loved him. His greatest joy in life was spending as much time as he could with his grandchildren who were the light of his life.
Larry is survived by his wife, Darlene; 2 daughters, Kym Caylor and Brenda (Henry) Ortmann; 2 grandchildren, Neal and Emily Caylor; and a brother, Carl (Doris) Sparks. Larry is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends and extended family, Darlene and the late Larry Johnson.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Mabel Sparks and a son-in-law, Danny Caylor.
A Celebration of Larry’s Life will be held from 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Darlene’s home (26183 Hwy 5, Exline, IA 52555).
