SPARTA, Harold M. Sykes, 77, of Sparta, passed away at 5:00 P.M. Monday, February 23, 2009, at his home in Sparta, IL. Harold was born February 12, 1932 in Sparta, Illinois the son of Rudolph Sykes and Nancy (Blackwell) Sykes. He married Connie R. Glasscock on September 24, 1982 in Blythville, Arkansas. Harold was a member of First Baptist Church in Sparta, IL; Sparta VFW and the Sparta Eagles #3698. He was retired from the Military having served in the US Air Force and the US Navy. Harold is survived by his wife Connie R. Sykes of Sparta, IL; eight children, David L. Sykes of Keller, TX, Nancy P. Flores of Bismark, ND, Larry T. Higgins of Casey, IL, Bobbi S. Boyer of Sparta, IL, Lewis D. Higgins of Martinsville, IL, Rebecca J. Ferguson of Swansea, IL, Ginger L. Owens of Tilden, IL and Norman E. Higgins of Sparta, IL; 28 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and one brother, Myron C. Sykes of Sparta, IL He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, one sister and one son. Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 26, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. at Wilson's Funeral Home in Steeleville with David Sykes officiating. Burial will follow at Caledonia Cemetery in Sparta. Visitation will be held at Wilson's Funeral Home, Steeleville on Wednesday from 6 to 8 pm and on Thursday from 7:30 am until 11 am. Memorials may be made to Family.