Benton will never be the same.
Sparky Choisser’s fingerprints are on every facet of this community. He was totally involved in every cause, every project and every campaign. Sparky was not only a doer, but he was an accomplisher. He didn’t waste the vast amount of energy he expended as he hurried about from early morning until late at night. Be it Ranger basketball or Benton city government, Sparky always covered the scene in a very special way. He was energetic, yet disciplined; hurried, yet directed; intense, yet measured. Sparky was one of those most unusual characters — the kind a Rockwell might draw or a Hemingway might describe. He was Benton … through and through.
Like many, I first met Myron Choisser at the Benton High School Gym. It was the “little” gym, the one now called the East Gym. I always arrived at the gym early to set up my play-by-play equipment, and Sparky was generally in the room. We didn’t get to visit much because I was rushing to sign on the air, and he had his own duties. He was Ranger Coach Rich Herrin’s right-hand man.
Later, I was blessed to have been given the opportunity to work closely with Spark. I had terminated my radio job to pursue my dream of owning and operating an advertising agency. I had some experience with broadcast media, but soon discovered that I knew very little about the print media. Sparky took me under his wing and walked me through the fundamentals of newspapering. He must have done a good job since I went on to become publisher of The Benton Evening News, and several other newspapers. Sparky was a great teacher.
It was during those early years that I grew to respect Sparky. He was not only a hard worker, but a tremendous contributor. The Benton Booster Club still bears his mark. The many clubs, organizations and churches were recipients to Sparky’s philanthropic tendencies. He gave away more newspaper space and printing than he sold. He got involved with his time and wares with every good cause.
Sparky was also a true friend to many. One of the early pioneers of the Benton Booster Club was Jim Knight, a young furniture dealer who had a wonderful family. When Knight needed something to supplement the betterment of the Rangers, he turned to Sparky. And, when Sparky needed something for the Boosters Club, he turned to Knight.
