Donald "Donnie" Dean SparlingZANESVILLE: One of Waterford's best known farmers passed away at the age of 89. Donald "Donnie" Dean Sparling fondly remembered as "Onion" entered and left this earth at the Hayward Mansion, which has been his home his entire life. Donald Dean Sparling went to be with his parents and 3 brothers at the Lord's home on April 7, 2016. Ethel Harsha and Eugene Sparling's 4th child Donnie was born on Jan 28, 1927. Ethel and Eugene were so proud that all their young men served their country. Donald served in the United States Navy during WWII, as a First Class Seaman. Donald's youngest brother Hillie is the only surviving child of the 5 ornery Sparling boys. Wyndham passed first, next was Kenneth- Donnie's neighbor and cow partner. And then 3 years ago Donnie lost his best friend and brother Milo. Donnie married his sweetheart, Bessie Faye Bower, when he returned from services after World War II. They snuck off to Pomeroy Ohio, on November 22, 1947. They proceeded to have two very spoiled rotten boys, Donald "Pete", Eugene Sparling (Cathy Coler) and Wyndham Dean Sparling (Penny McCollough). Donnie loved his boys, like he loved his farm. Donnie made his home and opened revolving doors to all of his boy's friends, everyone was welcome. Donnie enjoyed telling tales about his boys to his grandchildren. Donald was blessed with 6 grandchildren. First was Jason (Tara) of Massachusetts. Then he finally got his first girl, Taneka (Craig) Sparling-Ponchak. Next came Greg (Stephanie), Harvest (Mark Lang) and Shawna (Doug Landaker) followed along. And finally arrived Cierra (John Lang). And when Cierra came to live with him and Bessie as a teenager the door started revolving again as her friends made the class floats, t-shirts, and had many bonfires. Donnie was so excited to learn he would be around to see his first granddaughter, who would give him his first great-grandchild, Drew, and was quickly surprised to learn his youngest granddaughter would give him Skylee. He thought the holidays were fun again. Next came Cole, Ashton, and Seneca all within a year of each other. Max and William (Liam) followed a couple years later. Then came Alyssa, Scott, Alexandria, and finally Gabriel. Grandpa said " Watch out Waterford Schools, we have another round". Donnie was able to teach all of his grandchildren and one great grandchild Tichelle how to work on the farm. Donnie worked until the day he went to be with the Lord. Donnie believed in starting the day early. Farming and family was his life. Donnie loved to drive around and look over his crops and everyone else's to. Donnie preferred to ride so he could look at what he was passing by. Those who know him, know his driving was very notable because the direction he was looking was the way the car was going to. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at McCurdy Funeral Home in Beverly with a friend of the family, Mrs. Patsy Hensler officiating. Burial will be the Sparling Family Cemetery with military services at the grave. Friends may call 3-7 pm on Sunday and 2-4 and 6-8 pm on Monday. The Sparling family would like to thank the Beverly-Waterford Rescue Squad for their continuous support through the years and all of our special friends. Memorial contributions can be made to The Beverly-Waterford Rescue Squad and Wolf Creek Youth Baseball, in Donnie's name.