Robert Lynn Sparks

Robert Lynn Sparks, 83, of Killeen passed away on August 2, 2024 at his home. Graveside services with full military honors will be 10 am Friday, August 23, 2024 at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen.

Robert was born on July 2, 1941 to Willie and Nell Gunn Smith in Breckenridge, Texas. He attended school in El Paso, Texas, attended College in Cisco Texas, and a Welding instructor at Central Texas College locally for 3 years.

He married Rita Harrel on June 3, 1959 in Roswell New Mexico.

He loved to ride motorcycles (started riding at age 15) loved to go fishing, hunting, traveling, welding, he was always building and creating things outside, he started drag racing at a young age also mud bogging and much more. Nothing could slow him down. Also, one thing he did not like to hear was: we will do it tomorrow. He was a member of several clubs (VFW, DAV, American Legion, Lions Club, Motorcycle Riders of America.

He served in the US Army from April 18, 1957 to January 31, 1980, retiring as a CW3. Among the medals and awards he received the National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Bronze Star Medal w/valor; Purple Heart; Good Conduct Medal with 4 Loops: Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm.

Robert was preceded in death by his father, Willie Smith and mother, Nell Gunn Smith as well as his wife, Rita, on October 14, 2021.

Left to cherish his memory are his children Kimmie Kline, Rocky Sparks and wife Stella Sparks, Dory Hoshaw and husband Stephen Hoshaw, Terry Sparks, Ronda Sparks and Chris Sparks and wife Sydni Sparks, as well as 9 grandchildren and several great grandchildren. His beloved grand dog Mya Faith as well as his beloved dogs Sugar and Sassy.

Arrangements entrusted to Crawford Bowers Funeral Home of Killeen.