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Carl Gordon "Doc" Sparling
Carl Gordon VeterinarianCarl Gordon "Doc" Sparling, 83, of Cadiz died Monday, August 17th at 2 pm, at the Kingston Residence of Marion, Ohio.

Carl was born May 28, 1932 in Ravenna and grew up in Bellaire. He was the son of the late Carl and Inez (Gordon) Sparling. After graduating from Bellaire High School, he served in the US Navy from 1951 to 1955, stationed in Guam during the Korean War.

After his military service, Carl married Donna Kay Tolbert in 1955. She preceded him in death in July of 2013, after more than 57 years of marriage. They had four children, Brian (Laurel) of Marion, Stephen (Terri) of Ravenna, Michael (Gay) of Baltic and Susan Sparling of Worthington.

Surviving in addition to his children, are sixteen grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and a brother, Thomas of Suffolk, Virginia.

Preceding Carl in death were his wife, Donna, and a sister, Marian Carter of St. Louis, Missouri.

Carl graduated from The Ohio State University School of Veterinary Medicine, and was a practicing veterinarian in the Cadiz area from 1962 to 1992. After retirement, he continued a limited practice in the Bellaire / Wheeling area for a number of years.

Carl was an active community member, including one term as a Harrison County Commissioner, and serving as a volunteer fireman. He also participated in numerous plays in Cadiz, Deersville, Weirton, Steubenville and Wheeling.

Carl was also an active member of Scott Memorial United Methodist Church, 817 East Market Street, Cadiz. A memorial service will be held there at 1 pm on August 29. The family will receive friends at the church from noon until the time of the service. Cadiz American Legion Post 34 will conduct military honors at the church.

In accordance with Doc's wishes and his lifelong commitment to medicine, his body has been donated to The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

Donations in memory of Carl can be made to the Fulani Grazing Project - dedicated to helping Nigerian cattle herdsmen become more productive. Donations may be sent to Fulani Grazing Project; ℅ International Child Care Ministries; 770 N. High School Rd.; Indianapolis, IN 46214, or via their website: https://give.fmcusa.org/donation/memorial-giving

The family is being assisted by the Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home.  Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com




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#2 from: The Kelley Family
PHS /marion, ohio
Wed, Aug 19, 2015 at 11:18 PM

So sorry for your loss.



#3 from: Judy Heath
Cadiz Ohio
Thu, Aug 20, 2015 at 6:23 AM

I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Doc as a straight forward man. He valued everyones opinion as commissioner stopping in Farm Fresh to see what we thought. He mended many of my Dad\'s horses over the years. And never failed to tell whomever I was with that he had seen me naked.. (lol)...when I was a baby!! \r
Peace be with you.\r




#4 from: Kim Kroh
Canton, Ohio
Thu, Aug 20, 2015 at 9:26 AM

The American Red Cross of Carroll, Harrison & Tuscarawas Counties send our deepest sympathy to a True Hero we wish to say "Thank You for his Past Service to Our Country."



#5 from: Dave and Debb Hines
Upper Sandusky, Ohio
Thu, Aug 20, 2015 at 1:20 PM

Sorry to hear about his passing.  We are praying for all of you.  It is never easy to let them go even when things have not been the best for them recently.  You will always feel that empty place they've left, but God will help you through these times and in the future.  Miss you and pray for God's loving arms to hold you and comfort you.



#6 from: Mary Jane Neiman
Columbus, OH
Thu, Aug 20, 2015 at 3:32 PM

Susan, my deepest sympathy to you and your family.  Your dad served the Harrison County community well.  Hugs, MJ



#7 from: Ed Fellabaum
Clarington OH
Thu, Aug 20, 2015 at 4:17 PM

Dear Family:
Carl and I served in Boot Camp, Airman (P) School and Aviation Electrician's Mate (A) School together in the U. S. Navy. Following our duty assignments, once again were were in the barracks at Mainside NAS Jax Fla. I have not seeen him since then (1954), when I was discharged. Sorry we never got back together again; but, please know we will be together again 'up there' one day soon.
Love, prayers and  blessings on you all in this hour.



#8 from: Andrea swann
New Athens
Thu, Aug 20, 2015 at 10:24 PM

I worked with Doc when I was just out of high school. He taught me a lot about animals and his compassion made him try to do everything he could for them. Enjoyed all my time working for him.



#9 from: John, Nancy, and Seth Pogacich
Flushing, Ohio
Fri, Aug 21, 2015 at 8:58 AM

Susan, we would like to express our sympathy for your loss. We remember your family so well over the years, both from the Sparling relationship with my grandparents, Doc and Roberta Toothman and also from your attendance at Wheeling Country Day with Seth. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.



#10 from: Larry Long
 
Fri, Aug 21, 2015 at 11:00 PM

So sorry to hear of Docs passing.  I had the opportunity to work with him when he was a county commissioner and always enjoyed him so very much.



#11 from: David Robinson
 
Sat, Aug 22, 2015 at 9:51 AM

My condolences to the family.  I have lost a terrific colleague.  We have shared many veterinary adventures together.  Rest in peace my friend and colleague.



#12 from: John Mitchell DVM
Boca Raton, Florida
Mon, Aug 24, 2015 at 10:03 AM

The Michell kids (John, David, & Jane) grew up 2 houses from the Sparlings in Cadiz. Doc and Donna were always very nice and supportive to us, and we enjoyed many family times with their family, especially at the neighborhood pool. I'll never forget that Doc could do a front flip and I couldn't!
Doc started his Vet practice in Cadiz when I was 15 and he was a great mentor to me as I finished high school and went on to Vet school.
I spent many days riding with him on farm calls. I learned so much about animals and people. Doc was a very fair, honest, and compassionate man.
All The Best to the Sparling Family
John Mitchell





#13 from: Jane Mitchell Schaefer
Richmond, OH
Fri, Aug 28, 2015 at 7:13 AM

Sending sympathy to Brian, Steve, and Michael along with their families. Sparlings were wonderful Cadiz neighbors, and I have such fond memories of all of you.  Sorry I cannot attend the memorial service, but we have weekend house guests. Loved babysitting with all three of you boys!  




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