Kenneth Albert Sparrow

Kenneth Albert Sparrow, age 80, was born in Columbus, Ohio on July 24, 1932 to William Albert and Irene (Smith Alestock) Sparrow. He died peacefully on Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at Riverside Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

“Ken Ben” grew up on the east side of Columbus in the “Beezark” neighborhood. He had many family memories at 827 Parkwood Avenue where he also met his longtime childhood friend Emmanuel Davidson. He was a veteran of the United States Navy serving from 1951-1955 during the Korean War. Stationed in San Diego, California, Kenny was amazed that he endured six months at sea.

In 1957, Kenny knew he made it to the big time when he moved into a brand new house with a furnace in Southfield. He loved going rabbit hunting with his neighbor John Hutchinson. In 1986, Kenny retired from General Motors after 35 years sharing great times with Jay Woodward, Jim Spivey, Charles Kirk, and other fellow GM buddies. Many people were drawn to him for his encouraging words. He also briefly worked for Columbus City Schools. After his retired, he became known as the “Cadillac Man” with the purchase of a shiny new Cadillac.

Kenny had a great sense of humor and enjoyed laughing and making others laugh. People were drawn to him for his encouraging words and his candid advice. He could exchange words with you and give you his last five dollars at the same time.

With his devoted wife Mae, he enjoyed traveling throughout the United States including Hawaii and California as well as Vancouver and Quebec. He enjoyed swimming (especially while in Hawaii), fishing with Jay Woodward, and having “Big Fun”. He was a long-time member of IDMR, and loved going to class to receive what Yahweh had in store for him. His children were his pride and joy. He loved visiting with his son Keith, sitting on the porch with his daughter Stephanie, and joking with his son-in-law Martin. He shared many fond memories with the Cunningham’s Phyllis and Dennis as well as Beverly White. His family and friends are grateful we held a celebration life party for Kenny’s 80th birthday sharing memories and our love for him.

Kenny knew how to enjoy the little things in life such as eating pizza and limburger cheese. Through his health challenges, he was a fighter and persevered even to the astonishment of his doctors. He believed in living his life and enjoying his time on earth. He will never be forgotten. He was well loved and will be greatly missed by those who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William A. and Irene (Smith Alestock) Sparrow; brothers, Donald, Raymond, Gerald; son, Kenneth A. Sparrow Jr.; Geneva (Saunders) Sparrow (mother of his children). Left to cherish his memory is his devoted wife Mae (Shufford) Sparrow; children Keith B. Sparrow and Stephanie Sparrow Hughes (Martin); brother Wheeler (Lois); sisters, Marjorie Sparrow Banks and Carol Sparrow; nieces, nephews and close friends. Special friends include Emmanuel Davidson, Phyllis and Dennis Cunningham, Beverly White and Godson Charles Alexander.