KATHLEEN SPARKMAN, age 85, Retired Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 26, 2026 at her residence.

Kathleen was a 1960 graduate of Jeffersonville High School in Jeffersonville, Ohio. She went to college at Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in Cincinnati, Ohio. She was in the National Honor Society and Valedictorian of her class. Kathleen pursued her nursing career and later retired from the University of Birmingham.

Kathleen enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1966 and became part of the 35th Aeromedical Squadron as a flight nurse. Kathleen served her last mission in Desert Shield/Storm.

Kathleen is preceded in death by her parents, Gomer Sparkman and Luraine Reynolds, and her stepfather, Roy Steele; and siblings, Glidden (Loreda) Sparkman, Winford (Mildred) Sparkman, Ronnie Steele, Dick (Holly) Steele, Ray Steele, and Jeanie Gregory.

Survivors include her siblings, Gilbert (Ruby) Sparkman, Robert (Pam) Steele, Jim Steele, and Ima Jean (Charles) Hines. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, special long-time friend, Laura Bowman, caregivers, Sara, Eillen, Kellie, Patty, and her pets, Kitty Man, Frank, Snowball, and Frankie.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the Fairview Cemetery in Jeffersonville with Pastor Richard Smith officiating. A meal will immediately follow at the Jeffersonville Lions Club, 1 Railroad St., #4, Jeffersonville, OH 43128.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Summers Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.summersfuneralhome.com