Carl Ramon Sparks

Carl Ramon Sparks, was born in Melbourne, Australia, November 16, 1945 to Carl and Alma Sparks and was an only child. He was raised in Arthur, Illinois, down the street from his future wife, Vickie Lee Morton. Their families were very close friends and met for Sunday night dinners for years.

Carl moved to Arizona, where he enjoyed hunting with his Uncle Jon and Cousin Dale. He began his college career at the University of Arizona. During college, he visited Sullivan, Illinois and reconnected with his childhood friend, Vickie, sparking years of exchanged letters. The letters between Carl and Vickie flourished into love and they were married on September 2nd, 1967, beginning 43 years of marriage. He graduated an Arizona Wildcat in December, 1967 with a degree in Civil Engineering.

Carl joined the United States Army in 1968 and served on active duty until 1974. He proudly served during the Vietnam War. While leading his company/battalion in search of landmines, one landmine exploded sending him 20 feet in the air and causing serious injuries. In recognition of his injuries, other actions of bravery, and meritorious service, the United States Army awarded Carl two highly achieved medals, the prestigious purple heart and bronze star. These are just two of the fourteen medals and accommodations awarded to him by the United States Army. He retired a Lt. Colonel from the military reserves in 1995, ending 27 years of distinctive service.

Carl had a 25 year career as a civil engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He oversaw the final three years of construction for Arcadia Lake near Edmond, Oklahoma, where many children and grandchildren, including his own, now enjoy fishing and camping. He retired as the Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma Area Engineer in 1999.

Carl and Vickie have five short children; one daughter and four sons. As a role model father, Carl was an avid little league baseball coach for all his sons and a compassionate “Daddy” to his little girl. As a father, he was stern, yet loving. Carl and Vickie taught their children to live their lives with honesty, integrity, commitment, and faith. As “Papa”, he poured love and affection over his four grandchildren never missing an opportunity to care for them. Carl, a man of great faith, was a member of Epiphany of Our Lord Catholic Parish for 30 years.

Carl is survived by his wife of 43 years, Vickie, and his children and their spouses: Nicole and Brian Jones of Mustang, Gregory and Jamie Sparks of Edmond, Geoffrey and Brandi Sparks of Edmond, Stephen and Hayley Sparks of Kansas City, and Jared Sparks of Oklahoma City.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Kaeden, Natalie, Jovie, and Luke Sparks.

Carl Ramon Sparks was a devoted Catholic, proud soldier, loving father, and affectionate grandfather, demonstrating the best qualities in man and doing his best to serve God’s will in all things.

Arrangements under the direction of Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors, Oklahoma City, OK.