Lewis Joseph Sparks Jr.

Lewis Joseph Sparks Jr., 83, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed away on Friday, July 11, 2025.

He was born on February 18, 1942, in Fort Smith to Virgie and Lewis Sparks Sr. Lewis was a devoted member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Anne Sparks; and his sisters, Marilyn Newman and Ginger Belmont.

Lewis is survived by his son, Cory Sparks; his granddaughters, Beatrix and Ella Sparks; his sister, Sharon Coan, and her husband, Field McDonald; his brother, David Sparks, and his wife Mary Sparks; his sister-in-law Jayne Evans, and her husband Francis; and his lifelong friend and brother-in-law, Jimmy Newman. He also leaves behind many other relatives and friends who will deeply miss him.

Lewis graduated from St. Anne’s Academy in 1960 and attended the University of the Ozarks before receiving his pharmacy degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 1965. He went on to be a pharmacist for fifty years, owning stores before spending the majority of his career at McCuthchen’s Health Depot.

Outside of being a pharmacist, he was a committed member of the community as a Past President of the Fort Smith Jaycees. In later life, Lewis was a lector at Immaculate Conception. He enjoyed golf, bingo and playing bridge with his partner, Jim Buskirk.

Visitation and Rosary will be held on Wednesday, July 16, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home, 201 N 12th St, Fort Smith, AR 72901, with the Rosary beginning at 6:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, July 17, at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 22 N 13th St, Fort Smith, AR 72901. Following the Mass, Lewis will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery.