Joe A Sparks

A graveside service to honor and celebrate the life of Joe A. Sparks will be held at the Okmulgee Cemetery in Okmulgee, Oklahoma on Friday, July 29, 2022 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Brayden Buss officiating.

Joe, at the age of 85, had gone to be with our Lord on May 9, 2022. He passed peacefully at his son's home in Atascosa County, Texas with his family around his bedside.

Joe was born in Okmulgee Oklahoma on Jan. 4, 1937, to James A. Sparks and Edith Nell Hogan Sparks. He had a sister, Barbara Ann Dodge, nieces Teri Dodge Gray, Kathy Howard, and Nancy Brixie, and a brother David Sparks, nephew Mark Sparks. He grew up in Okmulgee where his dad retired as the Chief of Police and his mom worked at JCPenney. Joe kept in touch with his Classmates ever since graduating as class President from Okmulgee High School in 1955. His best bud, Ade Hale, kept in touch with Joe until the very end. After graduation, and marrying his High School sweetheart, Barbara Kaye Stanley, daughter of Roy Stanley and Mildred Stevens, he joined the Air Force, and their 40-year adventure began. His assignments took him to Morocco, Africa; Mildenhall, England; Stateside-mostly Texas; Thailand, and Korea. Joe started as an Aircraft Mechanic and then a Crew Chief, during Vietnam, to a Training Instructor at Lackland A.F.B in San Antonio, Texas. After retiring from the Air Force, Joe joined Barbara in teaching Middle School at Lackland Jr. Sr. High. He, teaching Texas History, and she, English and E.S.L.; from where they both retired.

Joe and Barbara had two children, Sheryl Dawn (Sheri) Sparks-Maxwell born in Victoria, TX and Steven D.R. Sparks (Randy) born at Mildenhall A.F.B, England and (more daughter than daughter-in-law) Dianne L. Thomas Sparks. Joe and Barbara's grandchildren are Jennifer Denise Maxwell, Joseph Aaron Sparks, and James A.C. Sparks of San Antonio. James gifted them with two Great grandchildren, Marlie Michelle Sparks and Jack A.M. Sparks of San Antonio. Years after Barbara passed, Joe married Ramona Yvonne Chronister Haynes of Okmulgee, who passed January of 2022. Joe was predeceased by his parents; brother and sister, niece Kathy; Barbara Kaye; and Sheri.
An extra personal Thank you, to Dianne, his Grandkids, and his Caregiver, Katlyn Pereida of Pleasanton, Texas, for taking Dad through a peaceful and supportive journey.

Floral arrangements were provided by Roses and Lace Flowers of Okmulgee.

Joe touched many...and will be missed by all. GOD Bless!

Arrangements are entrusted to Schaudt Funeral Service. Family and friends may send memories and condolences to the family online, www.schaudtfuneralservice.com