Jerry Dean Sparkman, 79 of Van Buren passed away Friday, October 30, 2020 in a local hospital. He retired sixteen years ago from Ryerson Tull formerly known as AFCO Metals in Fort Smith after forty-one years. He loved spending time with his family and working on the farm. He was member and Deacon at W.H. Church in Roland. He was preceded in death by his parents Will and Adeline (Tapp) Sparkman; one grandson Will Hawkins. He is survived by his wife, the love of his life of fifty seven years, Barbara Sparkman of the home; one daughter Melinda Sparkman-Hawkins and husband Steven of Dora; one son David C. Sparkman and wife Susie of Dayton, Arkansas; two grandchildren Levi Hawkins and Taylor Sparkman Dunivan. Funeral services will be graveside 10:00 A.M., Tuesday November 3, 2020 at Dora Cemetery in Dora, Arkansas under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home in Van Buren. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to WH Church in Roland, PO Box 47, Roland, Oklahoma 74954, or Community Services Clearinghouse, PO Box 1522, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72902.