Barry Sparks' Obituary
Our loving father and grandfather passed away on May 15th, 2024 at his home in Tucson, Arizona.
Barry Sparks was born March 24th, 1949 in Enid, Oklahoma to Weldon Jay and Emma Lou Sparks. He graduated from El Camino High School (Sacramento, CA) in 1967, followed by enlistment into the United States Air Force in 1968. After serving his 4 years, he returned to Montpelier, Idaho where he met and married Katherin Pullman. They later divorced but from this union, they had three children, Bert, Kadena, and Kelsie. Barry had an adventurous childhood as his father was active military, moving the family across the globe to such places as Australia, Guam, and Turkey. But Sacramento was always home and some of his fondest memories over his lifetime were there until he moved to Tucson, Arizona in 1999. He decided to do what he loved in a career and became recertified as an aircraft mechanic. His first few years back on the job were spent with Evergreen Airlines, and he finished his career retiring from Bombardier Aircraft Services in 2014. After retirement his last years were spent enjoying his 1967 Pontiac GTO which he restored to its original beauty since its purchase in 1989. He spent countless hours maintaining his car and proudly showed it at many car shows across Utah and Arizona. He was a dedicated member of the Pontiac Oakland Club International- Arizona Chapter #29 and made many friends and countless memories from this organization over the years. Barry was a lover of music, a trait he carried on to his two daughters. The house was always filled with music. Anytime he had family and friends over, there were always tunes on, the BBQ was grilling and the pool was ready for swimming. His favorite musician was Elvis Presley and until his last moments on this earth, he lived up to his motto " I did it my way" Barry is survived by his children Bert (Beth) Sparks (Prosperity SC), Kadena (Matt) Bardsley (Price UT), Kelsie (Mike) Casper (Lehi UT) his grandchildren James J. Pendleton, Jazmin Pendleton, Dylan Casper, and Mylee Casper, and sister Deanna (George) Kennah. He is preceded in death by his parents Weldon Jay and Emma Lou Sparks, and his sister Gloria Sparks.
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