Roger D. Sparr

Roger D. Sparr, 74, of Venice, FL, passed away December 21, 2014. Roger was born November 16, 1940, in Shreve, OH, to the late Lula (Lilley) and Thomas Sparr. He married his high school sweet heart, Linda Strang in 1959. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, he was employed by Rubbermaid and the Akron Beacon Journal in Ohio. In 1981, Roger moved to Venice, FL, and was employed by the Ft. Myers News Press. He later became Circulation District Manager at the Venice Gondolier and retired from the Sarasota Herald Tribune. After retirement, Roger began a new career, working as a professional landscaper for 15 years. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Linda; and children: Laurie Sparr; Rosemary Sparr Basford and her husband, Wayne; Lisa Sparr Eastes and her husband, Curtis; Larry Sparr and his wife, Corazon; and grandchildren Chrystal Eastes; Lindsey Patterson and her husband, Alec; Scott Basford; Emily Basford; Michael and Richard Sparr; great granddaughter Lillian Patterson; sister Beulah Zerrer and her husband, Richard; brother-in-law Michael Strang and his wife, Connie; brother-in-law, Richard Smail and Joe Flinner as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his brother, Harold and sister-in-law, Genelle; sisters Ruby Sparr Smail, Bessie Sparr Kitchen and brother-in-law, Ivan; Nancy Sparr Bigler Flinner and brother-in-law, Harold and his in-laws, Michael and Jean Strang. Visitation will be held from 1-3 PM, Sunday, December 28, at Farley Funeral Home, Venice Chapel, with a Funeral Service immediately following at 3 PM. Graveside Service will be held at 2:30 PM on Monday, December 29, at Sarasota National Cemetery. Roger will be remembered for his jovial smile, willingness to help others, and love of travel. The family would like to express their thanks to Roger's physicians at Venice Regional Bay Front Hospital and their staff for their wonderful care and compassion, and to all of Roger's friends.