Gilbert Ray ‘Spark Plug’ Sivia

Gilbert Ray “Spark Plug” Sivia, 69, of Wolf Lake, died at 4:20 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, at Manor Court of Carbondale.

He was born on May 1, 1952, in Anna, the son of George and Mary Helen Hileman Sivia.

Mr. Sivia worked for over 30 years doing bodywork for Don’s Auto Body in Anna. He previously spent several years working for Ford Groves and the Trail of Tears State Park, both in Cape Girardeau. 

He loved watching football and sitting outside in his lawn chair. He also enjoyed watching several television shows, including “The Bold and the Beautiful,” “The Price is Right” and “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” He loved watching NASCAR, and his favorite drivers were Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jr. 

Survivors include nephews John Seals of Vienna, Ronnie (Katie) Seals of Dongola and Bobby (Gloria) Sivia of Jonesboro; nieces Ruth New of Cobden, Emma (Don) Doerr of Florida, Donna (Don) Scheffer of Jonesboro, Teresa (Don) Gay of Brookport, Wanda (Jim) Dunn of Marion and Dale (Tracy Butler) Cruse of Anna; and many other relatives; his good friend and home care aide, Donna Schrader of Wolf Lake: good friends Rob and Mindy Cash of Anna, David Craig of Cobden, Billy Carter of Alto Pass, Vickie Watson of Wolf Lake and Kim Watson of Wolf Lake; and buddies Cameron Dodson Watson of Vienna and Jesse Watson of Mill Creek.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by 13 siblings.

A funeral service was held Wednesday, Sept. 29, at 1 p.m. at Crain Funeral Home in Anna, with the Rev. Billy Carter officiating. Cremation followed. 

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, Oct. 5, at 1 p.m. at Mission Chapel Cemetery in Dongola, with the Rev. Billy Carter officiating. Inurnment will follow.

Memorials can be made to the American Lung Association and will be accepted at the funeral home and cemetery.

Crain Funeral Home, Anna-Jonesboro, is in charge of arrangements.

To view the obituary and/or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.