Howard “Sparky” Sparks, 84, longtime resident of Orange and formerly of Vinton, LA passed away Sunday, October 13, 2013 in Port Arthur at the Medical Center of Southeast Texas.
The funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Officiating will be Reverend Rob Tibbets of The Crossroads Baptist Church in Vinton and Father Susil Fernando of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Vinton. Interment will follow at Mimosa Pines Cemetery in Sulphur.
A gathering of family and friends will be from 9:00 a.m. until service time on Wednesday at the funeral home.
Serving as pallbearers will be Mike Sparks, Dennis Sparks, Chris Vice, Kevin Sparks, Chad Sparks and Matt Jackson. Honorary pallbearers will be Megan Jackson and Kristin Vice.
Born in Montrose, LA on January 16, 1929, Howard was the son of Coleman Stanford and Lettie Belle (Rector) Sparks. He was a mechanic for DuPont and retired after almost 40 years. In his earlier years, Mr. Sparks enjoyed camping, working on cars and riding dirt bikes. He and his wife enjoyed square-dancing and were members of the Merry Mixers of Orange. He also attended Crossroads Baptist Church in Vinton.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Beverly Tully and great grandson, Garrett Vice.
Mr. Sparks is survived by his wife, Gertrude Sparks and sons, Mike Sparks and wife, Lisa, and Dennis Sparks and Sonya Dugus all of Orange. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Chris Vice and wife, Buffy, Megan Jackson and husband, Matt, Kevin Sparks and Chad Sparks; great grandchild, Kristin Vice and sister, Geneva Gilbeaux and husband, Charlie of Houston.
Condolences
Cindy Calvert
October 20, 2013
i remember how howard and "howard and gertrude", my grandparents bestfriends. gladys and pierce longlois. now they are together again. gertrude, this is cindy and I am so sorry. I think about you all the time. i have a hard time watching dancing with the stars without granny. i know you and her watched it together and talked about it on the phone. I am sorry about howard. i sooo wish i could talk to you. i just don't have your number and i couldn't find granny's phone book. please know i am thinking about you. cindy calvert granddaughter of gladys longlois
Bob Murphy
October 19, 2013
To all the Sparks family. I am very sorry to hear of Howard's passing and send my love and thoughts of support to each of you. Howard was one the great parents who made Circle E such a wonderful place to grow up. We were all fortunate to have him as a neighborhood dad. Sincerely, Bobby Murphy
Doug Childress
October 16, 2013
Howard and I worked at DuPont in Orange for many years. When I was promoted to supervisor in maintenance he worked for me and I found him to be a source of knowledge and experience which he shared with me. I am very sorry to hear of his passing and send my condolences to his family and loved ones. May he rest in the Father's arms. Doug Childress Orange, Texas
Diane Price
October 15, 2013
Gertrude and family, We were so sorry to hear about Howard. This picture is just like we remember him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Diane Landrum Price and Blondell Landrum Poteet
Anonymous
October 14, 2013
Secret Garden Basket was purchased for the family of Howard Sparks.
Susan Jordan
October 14, 2013
Aunt Gert, Mike and Dennis so sorry that we will not be able to make it down there for the funeral. Uncle Howard was a good man-I thought a lot of him. We are praying for you all. Love Susan