LAUREL- T. Howard Sparks, 94, of Laurel, formerly of Delmar, died Sunday, December 26, 2010 at his home in Laurel. He was born December 12, 1916 in Oxford, Maryland, a son of the late Harry Moore Sparks and Inez Cecilia Sinclair Sparks. On May 17, 1938, he married his sweetheart, the late Catherine "Kitty" Crowson Sparks, who passed on June 23, 2010. He cherished the memories made in 72 years of marriage. They loved to travel and had the pleasure of visiting every state in the U.S. except for Hawaii. Howard worked for many years in logging as a heavy equipment mechanic and operator with his father's company, Harry M. Sparks Co. in Virginia. He was employed with James Julian and employed 20 years with IA Construction. He was an active member of the Salisbury Moose #654, Salisbury ELKS Club and the Wicomico Yacht Club. He will be greatly missed by his family, especially his beloved dog, "Bandit". He is survived by three children, Smoky Sparks and his girlfriend of many years, Bobbie, of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, William L. Sparks and his wife, Carolyn, of Laurel and Janet S. Hernandez and her husband, Isaias of Salisbury; close family friends, Joyce Lord, Lisa Lord and Skip Lord; four grandchildren, Halli Mulei, Sheila Parker, Jessica Moses and Stephanie Kelly; and several great grandchildren. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Bill Sparks and sisters, Marguerite Mulholland and Inez Callis. Services are private at the request of the family. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar.