David Sparkes was born in Lawrence Kansas on September 26, 1961, to James E. Sparkes and Charlotte M. (Hoffman) Sparkes.
His career started when he was 14, working for his father doing HVAC work. He was a laborer for Royal Plumbing until 1981. Then he worked for Patchen Electric Supply until being accepted into the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union in 1983. Then he worked for Huxtable & Associates doing HVAC work. In 1990, he worked for Chaney Plumbing doing the same work. In 1999, he was Maintenance Supervisor at the Douglas County jail for 16 years. Then he was the Director of Building & Grounds for Douglas County until 2021. Then he took a part time job working for Custom Mobile Equipment in Baldwin assembling large fork trucks when he fully retired in 2023. He enjoyed working with his hands the most.
He graduated from Lawrence High in 1979. Married Debbie Eubanks in 1981. He knew that Debbie was the one for him. Together they raised one daughter.
David’s hobbies were boating, water skiing, atv riding, and traveling in their camper. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, cruises, and resorts in the Caribbean. He went to many Nascar races.
David enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He especially enjoyed the time spent with nieces and nephews. Most of all, he enjoyed the time he got to spend with his granddaughters, Emerie and Addisyn.
A memorial service will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday March 14, 2026 at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church of Lawrence.
So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. He was great to be around while he worked for the county. Condolences to his family.
My deepest sympathy for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss! I worked with Dave at Chaney Incorporated for a few years! He will be missed by a lot of people!
Debbie I just read of David’s passing. I am praying for you at this time of sorrow. My peace be with you.
Charlotte, I am so sorry to learn of your son’s passing. Prayers to you and your family.
Debbie, I am so sorry about David. I have fond memories from the times we all spent together.
So very sorry for your loss. Lean on your many fond memories for comfort.
Debbie – I am so very sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. He was such a wonderful, caring, kind and fun man to be around. He loved deeply and will be deeply missed. Prayers and hugs for you.
Debbie, I am so sorry to hear of David’s passing. My deepest sympathies are with you and your family.
Debbie and family –
I am so sorry for your loss. David was such a caring and helpful person. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Charlotte and Debbie,
I’m so sorry for your loss of David. Sending caring thoughts.
Debbie, my deepest sympathy on David’s passing. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by many people. May you find comfort in all of your wonderful memories together. My thoughts, prayers, and love to you and your family.
Debbie so sorry to hear about David. Treica called me. Prayers for you and your family. 🙏🏻
I was so saddened to read about David’s passing. Debbie, please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May the Lord of all comfort hold you close during this difficult time. Sending you big hugs…
Dear Debbie and family of Dave Sparkes,
The news of Dave was a shock to me. I didn’t know he had been battling cancer. I extend my sympathies and prayer for your peace and comfort at this time.
From the first time I reached out to Dave for help while I was working at the Juvenile Detention Center and he was in charge of maintenance at the Douglas County Jail he was always ready and willing to help and support me in any way he could. I am so thankful for his support and friendship over the years.
I just completed 6 years of having returned to work at Douglas County after I retired in 2018 and again I have Dave to thank for the opportunity and position. I hope he has heard “Well done.”
A friend, Elmer
Debbie and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. David was such a genuinely wonderful person.. He and Debbie were made for each other. Prayers to everyone in the family.
So sorry to see Dave’s passing
Debbie: I was sorry to hear about David. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I’m so sorry for your loss Debbie. David was always a super nice guy. Sending up prayers for comfort during your time of loss.
My condolences. I will be praying for the family.
Great times, great rides!!! Will miss you! Rest in peace!
Debbie/Brenda/Family, So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Great guy.
I will miss my lunch buddy!!!!!
Deb, We are so sorry for your loss. Dave was a great guy and a good friend. Rest in peace Dave.
Debbie and family,
We were saddened to hear of Dave’s passing.
He worked for us at Chaney Incorporated for a number of years.
He was a valued employee and friend.
With our deepest sympathy
Roy and Marilyn Chaney
Dad, we miss you. Bret, myself and the girls love you so much! We are so greatful to have gotten to have you in our lives. We will all continue to make you proud and live the best life that we can. Until we meet again…
Great guy and a fine neighbor! You will be missed. Rest in Peace.
Dave, I just lost the best Motorcycle buddy one could have. Until the next ride. Steve
To the family of David, I’m so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies and prayers. He was a great man and he will be missed.