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He was of that Greatest Generation, a son, a brother, a soldier, a devoted husband, a beloved father, a doting grandfather and most of all a child of God. This past Monday, July 11th, 2011, after a long and active life, our most cherished Herman P. Sparks of the McLean Addition, Beckley passed away in his 90th year after a three week illness. His devoted daughters, Nancy and Susan were at his side. The oldest of three children, Herman Porter Sparks was born on Aug. 28th, 1920, at Herndon. His parents were the late Hershal and Leola Bradbury Sparks. His sister, Cletius Carpenter has preceded him in death. Herman spent his childhood at Slab Fork. He was a 1938 graduate of Mark Twain High School. When he was 19 years of age, Herman's father was killed in a mining accident. He entered the same mines to support his family. With the war looming on the horizon, Herman enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served on an ammunition depot. On November 11, 1942, Herman married the love of his life, a pretty girl born at Herndon, Hazel Wood. With the war ending, Herman returned home where he enrolled at WV Tech in Montgomery. He received his undergraduate degree in industrial arts and mechanical drawing. Herman would further his studies at West Virginia University where he received a Masters's degree. Herman began his teaching career at Woodrow Wilson High School where he taught for 17 years. He retired from WVU as an instructor of mine safety education with 11 years of service. A very active man, Herman was a member of the Beckley Masonic Lodge No. 95 AF & AM and the Beckley Civitan where he was the past governor. He loved to hunt and fish. One of the original members of the Beckley Hunting and Fishing Club, Herman holds the state record for the largest deer killed with a bow. He was a great gardener. On the day of his sudden illness, June 20th, Herman at the age of 90 years, 10 months and 22 days, had worked in his yard and garden. He always enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labor with neighbors and friends. Herman and Hazel were blessed with 67 years of marriage. To this union was born two daughters, Susan who is married to Larry Burdette of Beckley and Nancy Sparks Stewart of Cumming, Ga. He was the proud and doting Granddad of Rob Leeber and his wife, Kim and Beth Buursema and her husband Tim. Life has been good, the family carries on with the gift of five great grandchildren, Desiree, Ryan and Marissa Roseberry and Bret and Porter Buursema. A great-great grandson, Tristian Wade Lykins has been born. Herman is the fond brother of Jean Reed of Lafayette, Ind. His in-laws, the Wood family, Emerson Wood and his wife, “BJ,” Charles Wood and his wife, Barbara, Gerald Wood and his wife, Lana, Irene Wood Maxey and Alma Wood Jenning s also survive. There is a large extended family of nieces and nephews. Herman and Hazel Sparks lived their lives for the Lord. They were faithful members of the United Methodist Temple where they both were members of a Sunday school class named in Hazel's honor. On January 7, 2009, Hazel passed away following an extended illness, but Herman stayed strong in his faith. He came to church faithfully and attended the Fred Hill Sunday School Class. And now, “Oh Glad Reunion.” On Friday, July 15th, at 1 p.m. we will celebrate life of Herman Porter Sparks with a Service of Thanksgiving at the United Methodist Temple. Pastors Chuck Pullins and Dan Johnson will be officiating. Herman will then be laid to rest beside his dear Hazel at the Sunset Memorial Park. Post 3110 of the Oak Hill VFW will fold the flag. Beckley Masonic Lodge No. 95 AF & AM will conduct the graveside rites. Pallbearers at the church will be Joe Zankowitz, Tom Weeks, Bill Turner, Paul Roop, Larry Frail, and Bill Straub Jr. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until the service hour at the church. The family suggests that donations of sympathy can be made to the United Methodist Temple, 201 Templeview Drive, Beckley, WV 25801 Well done thy good and faithful servant. Condolences may be sent to the family's guestbook at www.meltonmortuary.com Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Inc., Beckley.