Carl Sporman

Carl Lee Sporman, 76, of Barnett, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at his home, located at the Lake of the Ozarks. Born in Lamar, Missouri, on October 8, 1948, he was the son of Floyd and Dorothea (Tillery) Sporman.

Carl was a man of many talents and interests and became masterful at many of his endeavors. 

He attended high school in Lockwood, Missouri, and was a member of the first undefeated Lockwood football team in 1965. He was named All-Conference First Team Guard. 

He grew up working in his family-owned small construction business doing dozer work. Following a year of college at Pittsburg State, he joined the Operators Union and became a proficient motor grader operator. He later worked for the Department of Conservation and soon became Superintendent of Construction. Carl was very proud of his crews who built and maintained many river and lake access points across Missouri. 

After nearly 30 years, he retired from the Department of Conservation and then worked as a Disaster Assistance Employee for FEMA, becoming an expert on the Federal Flood Insurance program. He assisted disaster survivors through multiple hurricanes, floods and tornados.  

Carl was an avid fisherman and loved sharing his catch with others. He put on fish fries with the help of his friends for the entire Department of Conservation. 

He was also a NASCAR fan and attended races nationwide, even frying fish for his hero Dale Earnhardt and his crew before Earnhardt’s last race win. 

Carl loved to entertain others and became a superb chef. He loved boating and camping and had many adventures on the water. He captained a pontoon trip following the Osage River channel from Bagnell Dam to Truman Dam. The following year, the same crew pontooned the Osage River from below Bagnell Dam to the confluence of the Missouri River, a feat accomplished by few. 

He had a great sense of humor and his many friends can attest to how much fun it was to be around Carl.

Carl is survived by his “Darlin” wife, Beverly (Buettner); sister, Carol Patterson (Leon); brothers-in-law Jeffery Buettner (Mary) and Bruce Buettner (Julie); children: Gary Campbell (Larinda), James Roberts (Hillari), Clayton Roberts (SungHee), John Campbell (Deborah), and Michelle Anderson; grandchildren: Brandon Campbell (Taylor), Emily Gartner (Ryan), Sara Fick (Josh), Justin Campbell, Josie Audo, Maggie Audo, Alayna Roberts, William Roberts, Herman Roberts, and Luella Roberts; nephew: Robbie Patterson Jr.; nieces: Jennifer Oeltjen and Terrie Patterson; and great-grandchild Reece Gartner.

Service and inurnment were held on Monday, July 7, 2025 in Jefferson City, Missouri. 

Arrangements were under the direction of Houser-Millard Funeral Directors, 2613 W. Main St.; Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com