Phillip Sparrow

Phil Sparrow, known to some as “Birdman” because of his surname, passed away quietly on Monday, September 9, 2019 at 10:13 p.m. in Fort Wayne’s Lutheran Hospital. He was 76 years old and was a longtime resident of Atwood.

Phil was born in Plymouth on March 23, 1943. He was the only son of Victor Sparrow and Eula Dean (Spurlock) Sparrow and was raised in the family home with his sister, Judy. He was a 1961 graduate of Etna Green High School where he ran track and played both basketball and baseball. Later, he spent more than 40 years at R.R. Donnelley and Sons as a pressman.

In fact, Phil had a large group of friends, many of whom were Donnelley retirees with whom he visited nearly every day at the bowling alley or Time Out Inn. He was humble and amiable and had a good sense of humor. He chose his words with tact and kindness and rarely knew a stranger – he had a smile for everyone. He was a good conversationalist, a good listener and was fun to be around. More privately, Phil was a longtime member of Atwood’s Otterbein United Methodist Church and formerly a member of the Moose and Eagles. He enjoyed fishing and loved the beach, visiting Fort Myers Beach twice annually for many years.

Alongside Phil for the past 54 years, his wife, Carol Sparrow, survives in Atwood; the two were married on March 6, 1965. Also surviving are their three children: daughter, Mindy (husband, Barry) Robins of Columbia City and their children: Garrett, Logan, Madison and McKynzie; daughter, Wendy (husband, Jeff) Kindle and their children: Brianna, Karly, Jaime, Ashley and Cody; son, Tim (wife, Shelly) Sparrow of Mishawaka and their children: Shane, Leigha and Vince and seven great-grandchildren.

A Life Celebration is planned with the assistance of Titus Funeral Home, 2000 East Sheridan Street in Warsaw, where memorial visitation will be held on Monday, September 16th from 3 to 7 p.m. Phil’s funeral will be officiated by Pastor Jim Lawson at Otterbein UMC, 306 East Main Street in Atwood, on Tuesday at 11 o’clock with gathering for one hour prior.

Memorial gifts may be directed to the Kosciusko County Riley Kids Fund. Please make checks payable to Kosciusko County Community Foundation, 102 East Market Street, Warsaw, IN 46580 with KC RILEY KIDS FUND in memo line.