Frank & Bright Funeral Home

Benjamin Sparlin

Jul 9th, 1947 - Jan 5th, 2018

     Benjamin Earl Sparlin, age 70, of Hutsonville, Illinois, who previously resided in a veteran’s care facility in Danville, and was a native of Flora, passed away Friday, January 5, 2018, at Crawford Memorial Hospital in Robinson.

     Ben was born in Flora on July 9, 1947, the son of Richard “R.O.” and Cora E. (Schmidt) Sparlin. 

     He is survived by 4 sisters: Virginia Johnson (the late Clarence) of Olney, Vera Craig (the late Thomas) of Flora, Kathryn Lepley (Richard) of Lima, Ohio, and Clara Booth (Sam) of Flora; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; and 5 brothers and 3 sisters.

     Ben attended Flora High School and served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam in 1966-67.  He worked for the family business, R.O. Sparlin Trucking, and at Olson Rug Company in Chicago, and the Chrysler plant in St. Louis.  He attended Wesley Methodist Church in his youth.  Over the years, Ben enjoyed fishing at the pond, roller skating, and dancing.

     A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, January 8, 2018, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Pastor Richard Artis officiating.  Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery with the presentation of military funeral honors.  Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the hour of service on Monday.  Memorial donations are suggested to Flora American Legion Post 14, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence with the family, visit www.frankandbright.com.