Merrel Clifford 'Spanky' 'Bud' Sparks Jr. of Hutchinson, 71, died March 31, 2018, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born April 26, 1946, in Hutchinson, the son of Merril C. and Cora Catherine (McCune) Sparks Sr. Bud graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1966 and then served in the United States Army in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968. He worked at Morton Salt and Orrin's Pitt Stop, but his favorite job was at Ye Old Mill at the Kansas State Fair, at which he worked for 30 years. Bud was a member of the United Steelworkers Union of America, serving as union representative.

On May 24, 1968, he married Patricia D. 'Pat' Snyder in Hutchinson. She survives.

Other survivors include: sons, Joey Sparks and David Sparks (Amanda), all of Hutchinson; daughter, Tammy Parker of Wichita; sister, Wendy Flickinger (Richard) of Abbyville; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Bud was preceded in death by: his parents; sister, Bonnie Byer; and stepfather, Harvey Jerauld.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 3, 2018, at Elliott Chapel, with Pastor Tim Carey officiating. Burial will follow in Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson, with military honors conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, with the family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary. Memorials may be made to the donor's choice, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.