McKinley Sparks Jr., 75, of Peachy Williams Road, in Frenchburg, passed away Friday, June 14, 2013, at the VA Medical Center, in Lexington.

He was born Nov. 21, 1937, in Prestonsburg, the son of the late William McKinley Sr. and Jettie Wells Sparks. He was a retired truck driver for Consolidated Freight, in Orlando, Fla., a veteran having served in the U.S. Air Force, and a member of the Winchester Seventh Day Adventist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Diane L. Sparks, of Frenchburg; two sons, William M. Sparks III and Dalcus E. Sparks; a daughter, Becky Bailey, of North Carolina; a step-daughter,Yvonne Schutt, of Frenchburg; a brother, Oakley Sparks, of Prestonsburg; four sisters, Pauline Wells, of Prestonsburg, Sue Tobin, of Richmond, Dinah Van Hoosen, of Emma, and Mary Click, of Prestonsburg; six grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Harry Thomas Sparks.

Graveside services were at 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 25, at the Camp Nelson National Cemetery, with Rev. Tom Kyser officiating. In lieu of flowers donations suggested to the Wounded Warriors.

Taul Funeral Homes of Frenchburg in charge of arrangements.

Breaks Park will host the Echoes in the Canyon Civil War reenactment and living history on Saturday and Sunday this weekend, June 22-23.

The event will feature programs with the 29th Virginia Infantry, highlighting both the military and civilian viewpoints of the war. It will run Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday

10 a.m. — Civil War Encampment opens to the public.

10 a.m. — Life of a Soldier- A program lasting all day, come to the Visitor Center to learn about the everyday lives of soldiers fighting for both the North and South during the War Between the States.

10 a.m. — Loved Ones Left at Home- Come to the Captain’s Quarters in the Encampment to learn about the family and loved ones of those who left to fight in the War.

11 a.m. — Meet General and Mrs. Robert E. Lee- Get a chance to meet and speak with General and Mrs. Robert E. Lee. Learn of their lives throughout and after the War, as well as their lives leading up to the War.

Noon — Lemonade Social with Mrs. Mary Todd Lincoln and Mrs. Jefferson Davis- Get a chance to meet and enjoy lemonade with the Presidents’ Wives. Taking place at the Captain’s Quarters in the Encampment.

1 p.m. — Shotgun Wedding and Battle Re-enactment- Watch a shotgun wedding and the battle re-enactment. Taking place around the Moonshine Still next to the Visitor Center

2 p.m. — Soldier in Gray- A play at the Amphitheater featuring Stan Clardy.

4 p.m. — Lee’s Secret Weapons- Taking place at the Captain’s Quarters at the Visitor Center.

5 p.m. — Camp is closed to the public for dinner.

8 p.m. — Night Skirmish at the Moonshine Still.

Sunday

10 a.m. — Encampment opens to the public

11 a.m. — Period Church Services at the Amphitheater.

2 p.m. — Battle Reenactment at the Moonshine Still

All programs will take place at or near the Visitor Center.

Breaks Interstate Park is located on the Kentucky - Virginia border and is accessed by State Route 80. Commissioned by the U.S. Congress in 1954, it encompasses more than 4,600 acres and is one of only two interstate parks in the United States. For more information about the park, please visit www.BreaksPark.com.