DeJong-Greaves-Printy Funeral Home obituary - Roger L. Sparrow, 81, Keokuk

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Roger Lee Sparrow, 81, of Keokuk (formerly of Warsaw, Illinois), went home to be with our Lord and Savior on Sunday, April 18, 2021, at 12:45 pm surrounded by his family and his beloved dog, Shayna.

Roger was born the son of Chester and Cleta (Gardener) Sparrow on October 18, 1939, in Warsaw Township, Illinois. He married Levonda Vickers on November 18, 1978 in Keokuk. Together they had seven children.

Roger was employed at Keokuk Electro-Metals before retiring from The Dial Corporation after 25 years of service. He was an excellent electrician and mechanic and was very knowledgeable about most anything that needed worked on. Roger was always there to lend a hand or a tool - always leaving his toolbox open, trusting his peers would return what they borrowed.

Roger was an avid boater in his younger years. Later in life he enjoyed traveling in his RV camper. While on a trip, they fell in love with Palmview, Texas. They decided to make Palmview their permanent home. During their 23 years there they met many friends who became like family. Roger and Levonda found a wonderful church home called The New Life Church pastored by Pastor Jesse Hernandez. Pastor Hernandez was instrumental in leading Roger to give his life to the Lord. Roger and Levonda were both known for their trustworthiness and for the fact that they would do anything for you.

Roger is survived by his wife Levonda of Keokuk; his children: Eugene (Theresa) Davidson of Oxford, Iowa, Teresa (Harvey) Hoskins of Keokuk, Charlotte (Kevin) Yoder of Wellman, Iowa, Jeffery Davidson of Wellman, Iowa, Curtis (Edythe) Davidson of Findlay, Barbara Sparrow Burton of Georgia and Rolonda (John) Jordan of Medill, Missouri; his favorite daughter, his dog Shayna; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Lenard Sparrow; three sisters at birth and one granddaughter, Leslie Berry.

Roger will be greatly missed by his wife, children, great- and great-great-grandchildren, friends and most of all, his dog Shayna. We will always remember his great advice, love and photogenic smile. We now have an empty chair that there is no way to fill, but we rejoice that Roger is now in Heaven with a new body and the everlasting crown of life.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to New Life Church in Palmview, Texas or Anchor of Hope in Keokuk.

Tributes and condolences may be left at www.dejongsfuneralhome.com.

DeJong-Greaves-Printy Funeral Home of Keokuk is in charge of arrangements.

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