Kenneth Sparks

March 1st, 1924 to July 14th, 2019

The Woodlands, Texas

Gentle Warrior, Christian, humanitarian, patriot, soldier, husband, father, grandfather, and mentor…those are the words used to describe Lt Col Kenneth Sparks of the 547th Bomb Squadron, 384th Bomb Group, and 8th Air Force. To know him, is to love him, his gentle and kind soul touched so many and his mark is evident on all of us as we are all better humans from his example. He believed in second chances and treating people with kindness and respect.

His Christian upbringing and loyal service in the church molded his value and moral system making him a devout husband to Margie Horton Sparks of 73 years, a loving and supportive father of three daughters, Linda, Kathryn and Marilyn. His legacy extended thru his grandchildren; Troy, Jeana, Shawn, Julie and Alicia and great grandchildren; Vivian, Cory, Kara, Ethan, Keaton, Reese, Hailey, Kohen, Madeline, Carson, Evan, Christian, Dominique, Jackson, Bryson, and Blaze and even a great-great grandchild; Chloe! He not only touched the lives of his immediate relatives, but also has been a father figure, mentor and friend to his in-laws, and nieces and nephews!

Before becoming a family man, Kenneth Sparks, born March 1, 1924 in Inez, Texas, he was an accomplished solider and later a loyal employee of Shell Oil. A true humanitarian and patriot, he tried to enlist in the Army to serve in WWII at the tender age of 18, but his father redirected him telling him “they’ll come get you when they need you”, a true fact that happened not too much longer after. On January 21, 1943, he left his home in Victoria, TX, his parents, Bonham J. Sparks, Sr. and Alma H. Maxey Sparks and his siblings; Bonham J. Jr., Doug, Jackie, Neil and Gene for Grafton Underwood, England.

A busy man, he became a soldier in 1943; flying 28 missions as part of the B-17 Flying Fortress as a Bombardier and Navigator, a loving husband on November 11, 1945, a father in 1947, an accomplished machinist and valuable asset to Shell Oil while being a member of the Air Force Reserves to continue serving his country. He had 95 years on this earth and had a love for enjoying life. He made time to travel with his family, and also enjoyed playing baseball, hunting, fishing and golfing. He enjoyed his memberships with Sam Houston’s Sons of the Republic, his Bombadier Groups, and more recently the love and friendship he found through the people at the VFW Auxiliary 12024 The Woodlands! He was also a proud sports enthusiast and loyal fan of the Houston Astros!

He completed his final mission on earth on July 14th, 2019 peacefully in The Woodlands, Texas surrounded by family. He will be missed but never forgotten as his legacy lives on through his family and friends.

Visitation will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, July 18, 2019 at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home Chapel, 18000 I-45S, The Woodlands, TX 77384.

A Funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, July 18, 2019 at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home Chapel.