Retired USAF Lt. Col. Jerry Sparks of Flower Mound, Texas, sadly passed away on the evening of February 23rd 2019.
He was 81 years old – but to his family, friends, and to all those that met and knew him he was perpetually young at heart. Biographical Sketch Jerry was born on April 3rd 1937 in Twila, Kentucky to Barton and Reba Sparks (nee Saylor). His early life was characterized by moving around frequently as his father was in the Navy – and this found them living in places as far flung as Guam, Panama, and at various Naval bases around the US.
After attending UC Berkley he made the decision to join the service himself and became a pilot in the US Air Force. While finishing up pilot training in Enid, Oklahoma he met the love of his life, Joan (nee Marler), and they married on May 28th 1960. During their 58 years of marriage, they had four children and they themselves moved an additional ten times – mostly around the US but also for a few years to the Netherlands.
He embraced the local culture and cuisine wherever he lived, and collected friends along the way, in both high and humble places. In his eyes, they were all measured the same. Upon retiring from the Air Force, they moved to Atlanta, Georgia where Jerry worked for 13 years for the Home Depot, and in 2007 they moved to Flower Mound.
Family Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, and tragically by his beautiful daughter, Susan, at the young age of 28. He is survived by his wife, Joan Sparks, daughter Jenny, and sons Tim and Bob. He leaves to this world 14 beautiful grandchildren (Chris, Nick, Emily, Grant, Jack, Anna, Elizabeth, Jake, Katherine, Mark, Charlie, Lucy, Theo, Judson) and one great-grandson, Christopher, Jr
He is also survived by his sister, Sandee Waxman, and brothers, Bill and Bart Sparks. Jerry was a loving husband, an incredible father, a doting grandfather, a caring brother, a devoted son, and a friend to all. He was a man whose positive outlook and friendly demeanor made him one of those people that everyone was genuinely happy to know.
He had a great sense of humor and an unparalleled knack for remembering jokes for any occasion. Jerry was a perennial learner of all things, with an insatiable desire for knowledge. He was known to many as a birdwatcher, woodworker and handyman, painter and illustrator, fisherman, cook, driving instructor, ukulele player, and Scout leader.
He is also remembered for the joy he sparked in many children as a professional Santa Claus for eight years. The legacy he leaves is one of love, humor, and kindness. He will be forever missed by his family and friends, and we will all do our best to honor his legacy and uphold the high standards which he exemplified in so many ways.
Special Messages Supporting veterans was near and dear to Jerry’s heart. If you wish not to send flowers to Jerry’s funeral you may consider a donation to Wreaths Across America. donate.
wreathsacrossamerica.org/?
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
