In Loving Memory
Robert Dale Sparks, D.O., age 73, of Rockwall, Texas, passed away on February 6, 2022. He was fondly known to most as “Bobby” or “Dr. Bob.” A lifelong resident of Rockwall, Texas, he was born at home on August 26, 1948, delivered by his father Dr. Sherman Sparks. He was born to Sherman P. Sparks, D.O. and Billie June Wester Sparks into a family of physicians dating back to the 1890s (10 in all). Dr. Sparks graduated from Rockwall High School in 1966, East Texas State University (ETSU) in 1971, and the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM) in 1977. While at ETSU, he earned a B.S. degree in chemistry and various minors, including zoology, education, and art. While in medical school at TCOM, Dr. Sparks student taught chemistry, biology, anatomy, and various labs including biochemistry and histology. Dr. Sparks completed his post-doctoral work at Methodist Hospital in Grand Prairie, Texas, where he had a rotating internship that included several metroplex facilities. He taught students and residents at his office for over 46 years. In 1976, Dr. Sparks returned to Rockwall after medical school and joined his father and brother, Dr. Sherman P. Sparks and Dr. Randal P. Sparks at the “Sparks" Clinic. He practiced medicine in Rockwall for 46 years. He served as Rockwall High School Yellow Jackets’ team physician for 20 years, City Health Officer for 20 years, and County Detention Center physician for 22 years. He also served on various committees for the Rockwall Independent School District and formulated plans for the expansion of schools and their bond issuance. In recognition of his life-long contributions to his community, the County Commissioners proclaimed April 26, 1999, as Dr. Robert D. Sparks Day. Dr. Sparks was an avid motorcyclist, car enthusiast, car collector, and pilot since age 16. He enjoyed hunting with his sons and best friend, Bob Chambers. Dr. Sparks recalled the 1963 State Championship Football Team on which he played starting guard at age 15 as a highlight of his youth. Dr. Sparks has been a proud coin carrying member of the Rockwall Band of brothers for over 15 years. He was always there to assist those in need regardless of their financial or insurance status. He cherished his association with the veterans and community leaders. Dr. Sparks was Past Potentate of the Hella Shrine Temple, in Garland, Texas. While there he became Director of the Royal Order of Jesters, a member of the Director's Staff, Flying Fez, Greeters, the Cabari, and the "Q". He was also a member of the Scottish Rite with a 32nd degree, York Rite composed of The Chapter, Council and Commandery that included Commandery #6, Knights Templar of Texas, Royal Arch Mason, Order of Red Cross, and Order of the Knights of Malta. He was made a Mason in 1984 at Rockwall's East Trinity Lodge #157. Dr. Sparks was past Worshipful Master at Rockwall's East Trinity Lodge #157 and Fate Lodge #802 and also served as Chaplin. He was a 38-year Mason and considered Masonry to be one of the most important things in his life after his Christian beliefs (member of Lakepointe Church). His involvement with all aspects of Masonry was paramount in his life. He felt that Shriners Hospitals were the greatest philanthropy there was. Dr. Sparks referred children in need to both the Shriners Hospital and the Scottish Rite Hospital which provides services to children free of charge. Dr. Sparks was a member of the American Osteopathic Association, American Medical Association, Texas Osteopathic Medical Association, Texas College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, and a Diplomat of The National Board of Examiners for Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of the United States of America. He was Board Certified in Family Practice, certified as a Medical Review Officer, and FAA Medical Examiner for pilots. In medical school, he was 1 of 8 founding members for the “Atlas Club” Fraternity. He served on the Texas Board of Medical Examiners as a consultant for many years. Following 9/11, he volunteered to serve on the Texas Task Force One, an Urban Search and Rescue Organization, and was the chief physician on the Blue Team with its 22 members. He and his brother, Dr. Randy, assisted in the formation of the ambulance service in Rockwall, Texas, with training and rapid response. Dr. Sparks and his brother were 2 of the 5 founders of Lake Pointe Medical Center in the early 1980s. Dr. Sparks was one of the 1st Republicans in Rockwall County along with his father. They participated in the Republican Primary held at the Sparks Clinic in the 50s and 60s. He also served two terms as City Councilman for the City of Rockwall during its turbulent infrastructure development in the early 1980s. Dr. Sparks is survived by his wife of 33 years, Tana Jo Mitchell Sparks, children: Mary Jo Sparks (Jordan Castilleja), Amy Lou Sparks (Minh Nguyen), Michael Bradford Sparks, Robert Russell Sparks, Catherine June (Mark) Shepard , Elizabeth Jane (Bret) Hasbrouck; grandchildren: Peyton Sinclair, Joshua Sinclair, Samuel Shepard, William Shepard, and Rosemarjin Castilleja; and brothers, Dr. Randy (Linda) Sparks and David Sparks, and families. He was preceded in death by his parents Sherman P. Sparks, D.O. and Billie June Wester Sparks, and niece Nancy Marie Sparks. A celebration of Robert's life will be held 1:00 pm Friday, February 18, 2022, at Lakepointe Church - The Bridge, 701 East I-30, Rockwall, Texas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hella Shrine Temple building fund. (https://hellashrine.org/product/building-fund-donation/), 2121 Rowlett Road, Garland, Texas 75043. Robert "Butch" Oran Ford Jr. age 74, and resident of Forney, TX, passed away on June 17, 2020. Butch was born on January 11, 1946, in Dallas, TX to Robert Oran Ford, Sr. and Wanda (Bounds) Ford. Butch grew up in Royse City, TX where he was a quarterback for the Royse City Bulldogs and later inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018. Butch’s love of sports was evident in his many achievements including two holes in one, as well as being the star pitcher in many local softball leagues. Butch’s professional path included being the HR Director and safety trainer at Austin Industrial for over 30 years. His integrity leads him to spearhead numerous national safety initiatives which ultimately gained him recognition throughout his industry.
After marrying the love of his life, Iris, they raised their family in Irving, TX. His professional career then led the family to relocate to Houston, TX before finally retiring in Forney, TX. He was a member of Community Life Church. Butch was a loving father of three, and an adoring grandfather of six. He will be deeply missed by everyone who loved him. Butch is survived by his loving wife of 51 years: Iris (Smith) Ford; son: Bradley Ford of Houston, TX and wife Jennifer and daughter Grace; daughter: Angela Sullivan of Las Cruces, NM and husband Jeremy and daughter Jessicah and son Jeremiah; daughter: Julie Brisbon of Red Oak, TX and husband Tadd and daughter Jaelyn and sons Jordyn and Noah; and sister: Linda Ford of Austin, TX. He was preceded in death by his grandson: Mitchell Lee Brisbon; and his parents. A celebration of Butch's life was held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, July 25, 2020, at Community Life Church in Forney, TX. A gathering of family and friends will take place at the church prior to the service beginning at 1:00 pm.
B. J. Miller was born in Dallas, Texas on December 29, 1926. His father was a barber and his mother was a housewife. Bill attended school in Dallas and always lived in Dallas. His father died when he was 14 and he worked to help support his mother. When he decided to enlist in the United States Navy, a neighbor advised him on which service to enroll in and other things he needed to know. His mother had to sign for him to enlist as he had not quite reached the age of 18.
His career in the Navy started in NTC, San Diego, California, Cub 19, Navy 3912, USS HERBERT J. THOMAS (DD833) USS CASCADE (AD 16), December 12, 1944. Remarks on his discharge says Point System, 6 months Sea Duty, Seaman 1c, American Area Campaign, Asiatic Pacific Area, World War II Victory, Stationed on a Radar Picket Ship in Sasebo, Japan in the Occupational Forces. Bill was discharged at Camp Wallace, Texas with an Honorable Discharge on May 11, 1946. When he came back to Dallas his first act was to go back to Neiman Marcus where they had held his position until his return. He later applied to Southwestern Bell Telephone Company and was an employee there until his retirement in August 1983. Bill met Jerry in 1959 and they were married in November 1961 at Gaston Avenue Baptist Church. Bill has a long history of serving the Lord and at a young age became a Deacon. Then after his marriage to Jerry he became a deacon at Forest Meadow Baptist Church. He worked in Prestonwood Baptist Church for a long time and in 2000 he and Jerry bought a home in Mt Pleasant where they continued for 20 years to be active members of South Jefferson Baptist Church while still living and working Dallas. Their daughter, Deborah, passed away in May 2009. They have two grandsons and five great-grandchildren. While Bill did not finish his education while young, he is now attending the University of Texas in Dallas in the third semester studying English. He says maybe having a massive stroke is not so bad after all. Bill and Jerry still enjoy working. They started working in real estate even before they knew each other and still enjoy this profession. They have in the past several years had some health issues but it does not keep them from loving the Lord. People always ask them the success of a 67 year marriage, they tell people to serve and love the Lord and he will provide the rest. Bill was a member of Oddfellows for over 70 years and was Grand Master of Texas and was also the Chief of the Dallas Emergency Corps for several years. A visitation for Billie was Thursday, September 24, 2020 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at South Jefferson Baptist Church, 1701 S Jefferson Ave, Mt Pleasant, Texas 75455. A funeral service will occur Friday, September 25, 2020 at 10:00 AM, 1701 S Jefferson Ave, Mt Pleasant, Texas 75455. A committal service will occur Friday, September 25, 2020 at 3:00 PM at Grove Hill Memorial Park, 3920 Samuell Blvd, Dallas, Texas 75228. William Earnest Jones, a 40 year resident of Royse City, TX, passed away on June 16, 2018, at the age of 85. He was born September 16, 1932, in Alto, TX, to Clyde and Hazel (Mosley) Jones. Earnest was lovingly known as “PePaw” by his grandchildren, with whom he spent much of his time. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting and spent much of his free time on Lake Fork. Earnest was a member of I.O.O.F. - Garland Chapter and was of the Baptist faith. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War.
Earnest is survived by his children: Billy Jones and wife Betty, Bobby Jones and wife Martha, Scott Jones, and Leann Vann; grandchildren: Tori Guynes, Melissa Jones, Lindsay Deanda, Sarah Warren, Hannah Jones, Megan Vann, and Dakota Vann; great grandchildren: Gracy Guynes, Joshua Guynes, Nicholas Deanda, Madison Deanda, Carter West, Paisley Viva, and Piper Viva; brother: Johnny Jones and wife Joann; sister: Rosie Ynfante; puppy friend: Abbie; and a host of loving relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife: Helen Jones in 2001. Funeral services was held 10:00am Wednesday, June 20, 2018, at Rest Haven Funeral Home – Royse City Location with Pastor Rick Donaho officiating. Interment will fol1ow at Rest Haven Memorial Park. A Gathering for family and friends will be held from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, Tuesday, June 19, 2018, at the funeral home in Royse City. |
PARDUE, William Donald W.D."Bill" Pardue passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, November 21, 2016 after a sudden onset of Leukemia and a rapid decline. He joined his wife of 68 years, Alma Lucille "Tulie", who had passed 8 months earlier, in heaven. Bill was born in Dallas, TX to William Ray and Ella Clementine Gawne Pardue on August 26, 1927. He graduated from Crozier Tech High School through a special DISD program for Veterans following his service in the Merchant Marines in World War 2. Bill and Tulie married on June 11, 1948. They had 3 sons and 1 daughter ,W.D. "Don" Jr of Heath, Stephen Ray Pardue of Rockwall, Donna Lucille Pardue Robinson of Caddo Mills and Randal Wayne Pardue of Dallas. Bill started a concrete and construction business with a pickup and a cement mixer after the war. He grew that business to include home and apartment construction and apartment ownership and management. His homes were featured in the Dallas Parade of Homes. His apartment developments provided housing for thousands of people across the metroplex. He had the joy of working with his sons and grandsons in his business. His 'retirement' was spent running cattle operations on his Ranches in Caddo Mills, Tx and Carey, ID. Bill loved the outdoors. He worked outside, was an avid hunter, fisherman, gardener, snow and water skier and world traveler. He took his morning walk and did his exercises every day, rain or shine. He was obsessive about health and fitness and was in amazing shape. He certainly did not look 89. Although Bill was a successful man, success was not what defined him. He was a humble man who thought about others more than himself. He was a generous, giving to help plant churches, start businesses, fund a first home, buy a car, pay medical expenses and supporting his church, First United Lutheran Church. His deals were often sealed with a good faith hand shake. Bill helped others through his involvement with the Masons, Shriners and various hospital boards. Bill was a Scottish Rite Mason and was honored with the Thirty-Third Degree Inspector Honorary in 1995. He was a York Rite Mason and was awarded the "Red Cross of Constantine". He was a member of the John L DeGrazier Lodge #1349 and was a past Master Scout. He received the 65 year Service Award from the Claude L Austin Lodge. He served as District Deputy Grand Master. Bill was a Master Mason and received the prestigious Golden Trowel Award in 2015. He served as Potentate of the Dallas Hella Shrine. Bill served on the Board of the in Houston for 12 years and had the title of Board of Trustees Emeritus. He donated the statue of the Shriner and child that stands in front of the Houston hospital. Bill was a Certified Peace Officer of the State of Texas and a Dallas County Constable Deputy Precinct 3. Bill's selfless generosity was felt most profoundly by his family. He cared for Tulie for 5 years as she battled Parkinsons and LBD, setting an example for all by his love and sacrifice. His W2 Ranch was the family gathering place. He taught his grandkids and great grand kids to fish, took them for rides on the tractor and golf carts, did target practice with the bigger kids and fashioned a 9 hole golf course out of pasture land. He built a beautiful place that is now the home of special memories. Bill is survived by his 4 children and their spouses, 14 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. Family received friends on Friday, November 25, 2016 from 6-8 pm at Restland Funeral Home. Service was on Saturday, November 26, 2016 at 11 AM in the Memorial Chapel at Restland. In lieu of flowers, Donations can be made to the Shriners Hospital. Dallas Morning News on Nov. 2016. Added note: Brother Bill had not been an Odd Fellow all that long. He joined the Garland Odd Fellows Lodge #304 just this past May 7th 2016. We welcomed his membership and mourned the loss of a brother. |
Thomas “Tom” Fulton age 73 of Rowlett, TX, passed away September 20, 2016. He was born January 31, 1943, in Dallas to Ogden and Alice (Kirby) Fulton. Tom was a graduate of University of North Texas with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and major in Finance. He worked at Raymond James Financial Services in Rowlett as a branch manager and financial advisor for the past 28 years. He was in the financial services industry for 50 years. Tom married Suzan Cronkhite March 6, 1979, and they shared a wonderful life together. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church Sunnyvale and served many years as usher. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #802 of Fate, Shriners and I.O.O.F. In his free time he enjoyed NASCAR and competitive skeet and trap shooting.
Tom is survived by his wife of 37 years: Suzan Fulton of Rowlett, TX; son: Eric Fulton of Rowlett, TX; daughter: Kibbie Fulton of North Port, FL; brothers: David Fulton of Krum, TX, and Bill Fulton of Coppell, TX; he was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial service was 2:00pm Sunday, September 25, 2016, at Rest Haven Funeral Home-Rowlett Chapel with Pastor Dan Pence of Stillwater Community Church officiating. A reception at Main Street Events in Rowlett was to follow. The family hosted a Night of Remembrance at the funeral home on Friday the 23rd from 6:00 to 8:00pm. |
Richard "Dick" Ernest Borbour was Born March 13, 1930 in Columbus, Ohio. He passed from this life on March 14, 2013. at the age of 83.
Dick joined the United States Marine Corps at the age of 16 and served his country from 1947 to 1950 at Camp Pendleton California. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 25 years until his retirement in 1985. He was a 33rd Degree Free Mason, Scotiish Rite and Shriners, Knights of Pythius and a member of the Garland Odd Fellow Lodge No. 304. He had a bountiful and generous spirit and volunteered in charitable programs like Toys for Tots. He was a member of the Casa View Christian Church. There he sang in the chancel choir and with the men's chorus called Faithful Men. He loved fishing, playing Dominoes and Canasta. He was the Treasurer of our lodge. He will be greatly missed. He had many friends from all walks of life. |
John Erwin Adams age 80, (April 18, 1932 - February 2, 2013) passed away surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, February 2, 2013. John was a life-long Dallas resident and member of White Rock Church of Christ. He will be remembered as a loving, considerate friend to all, a man that never met a stranger and always had a joke to tell. He was a 50 year member of Roy Stanley Masonic Lodge, 33° Scottish Rite, and Hella Shriner, a member of Claude L. Austin Masonic Lodge. and a member of Odd Fellow Garland Lodge No. 304. John was the longtime owner of Adams Paint Center of which he recently retired. It was more than just a paint store; it was a gathering place for his many friends. John (Pop Pop) is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Edna; children, Paula and Chuck Nowlin, Cathy and Skip Muller; granddaughters Lauren Wolf Trahan, Michelle Muller Marinis, Holly Nowlin Mabrito, and Morgan Muller, and great-grandsons Pearce, Rylan and Brandt Marinis; brothers, Tom Adams and Garland Bradley and sisters, Ellen Thrash and Mittie Baxley. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Pauline Adams. A service to celebrate his life was on February 7, 2013 at 2:30 pm at Restland Memorial Chapel.
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