Donald O'Neal Sparks, Sr.
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Donald O'Neal Sparks, Sr.

  • January 12, 2012
  • Albuquerque, New Mexico
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“My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time, and always. Lois Helak Brakenhoff ”
1 of 17 | Posted by: Lois Helak Brakenhoff - NM

“Don was a wonderful man and enjoyed working with him. My prayers will be with Dons family. ”
2 of 17 | Posted by: Samuel Montoya - Espanola , NM

“I will keep you in my prayers during this difficult time. I really enjoyed visiting my Uncle Don, he had such a great sense of humor and a kind...Read More » ”
3 of 17 | Posted by: Richard & Barbar Rider - Marion, IN

“A good friend. Can't believe he's gone.I remember he gave me some "Kentucky Twist" during a softball game. I didn't finish the game. He sure got a...Read More » ”
4 of 17 | Posted by: Smiley Schmitt - Gallup, NM

“Dear Scott, Rhonda & Family, So sorry to hear about your loss, it is never easy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family now. ...Read More » ”
5 of 17 | Posted by: Jodi Barber Donoho - Los Lunas, NM

“Don was a very Good Man & a Very Good Friend to my Father & Mother. Our deepest sympathy & Much Love to the Sparks Family. You are all in my thoughts. ”
6 of 17 | Posted by: Shelly Marsh/Killgore - Gallup, NM

“Wish I could be with you all tomorrow and Wed. My thoughts and prayers are will you all. Hang on to the wonderful memories! We love you all!!!! ”
7 of 17 | Posted by: Alison Jones - Chandler, AZ

“Liz and family just read about Don sorry for the loss at times like this not much to say except God Bless Joe Zecca ”
8 of 17 | Posted by: JOE C ZECCA - Gallup, NM - Friend

“I really enjoyed golfing with you, Don, You always called me "hey, MOON" with smile. Our golfing partners (John Samally , Dave Joyes and Dave Moore)...Read More » ”
9 of 17 | Posted by: Mahn Moon - Albuquerque, NM

“Will miss Uncle Don, My wife and I had the best of times with Uncle Don the times we was able to see him. Our hearts go out to the family. RIP, Uncle...Read More » ”
10 of 17 | Posted by: Thomas and Sandy Talbott - Marion, IN

“To all the Sparks family my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss. Don was a good man and I was lucky to have known him during my...Read More » ”
11 of 17 | Posted by: Eugene " Cappy " Drapeau - NM

“I was glad to get to meet Don when visiting Liz, following her 2009 hip replacement recovery. May all your happy memories be a comfort to you, Liz,...Read More » ”
12 of 17 | Posted by: Viilma Stacher Ohlen - NM

“Liz, dear, I have just read of Don's death in this morning's Journal, and my thoughts and prayers go out to you and all your family. What a life you...Read More » ”
13 of 17 | Posted by: Rita McCunniff - Gallup, NM

“I'm getting tired too, old buddy. Hit 'em long and straight in the here after. ”
14 of 17 | Posted by: David Joyce - Rio Rancho, NM

“I sure will miss my Uncle Don,He was a very funny and mad we laugh all the time. He sure did know how to play pool. He sucker me in a few times,he...Read More » ”
15 of 17 | Posted by: Richard Talbott - San Diego , CA

“Dad Sparks was just like a father to me and was the very best father-in-law a girl good have. I will treasure all my memories of him in my heart...Read More » ”
16 of 17 | Posted by: Linda Sparks Schenkel - NM

“On behalf of the French Family of Companies, we express our deepest condolences. ”
17 of 17 | Posted by: Trinity Montoya - Albuquerque, NM


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SPARKS - Donald O'Neal Sparks, Sr. was born in Gradyville, KY, April 14, 1932. He entered The Heavenly Kingdom of God on January 12, 2012. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Elizabeth Smalley Sparks; and their children and spouses: Allison Sparks Kozeliski and Thomas, Patricia Ann Sparks Perkal and Glenn, Donald O'Neal Sparks, Jr. and Elizabeth McKim, James "Scott" Sparks and Lexie, Linda Sparks-Schenkel and Andy, Rhonda Jayne Sparks and Cecil Benally. Don is also survived by his best buddy and brother-in-law, John Smalley and wife, Janice as well as his niece, Mary Lucille Ortega who were his constant caregivers and angels in his life; his brothers and their spouses, Harlan Sparks and Grace, Uriel Sparks and Linda; sisters, Helen Smalley Radosevich, Mary Smalley Ortega and Terry, Linda Smalley Groves and his beloved cousin, Irene Sparks Love and Marshall, who was a great joy in his life. Don is also survived by his 14 grandchildren and their spouses: Kristen Kozeliski-Mitchell and Jeff, Kelly Kozeliski-Broughton and Ian, Matthew Kozeliski and Kim, Nicholas Perkal, Natalie Perkal, Bryan Sparks, Kathryn Sparks, Jerod Sparks, Jennifer Sparks, Brandon Sparks, Mariah Sparks, Craig Sparks, Chastin and Chance Miller; and his five great-grandchildren: Reagan Mitchell, Hayden and Connor Kozeliski, Alexis Perkal, and Keaton Miller; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Johnny B. Sparks; his father and mother, Bertrus and Onie Sparks; and his sisters, Thera B. Reliford and husband La Rue, and Enola Davidson. Don grew up in Columbia, KY and attended Breeding High School and Lindsey Wilson Community College. Don received a scholarship to play basketball at the University of Kentucky, but declined it to enter the Air Force in 1950. He was stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, NM, where he played basketball for the base's team. Don was then transferred to the Air Control and Warning Station at Continental Divide just outside of Gallup, NM. It is there he met his wife, Elizabeth, and where they resided in Gallup for 40 years. Don, known as "Sparky" by his friends, became a Journeyman Electrician and was employed by Knight Electric and Clifton Electric; was a member of IBEW LU 611 for 55 years; and was a life member of BPOE Lodge 1440. Don lived a short time in Santa Fe, NM where he was employed by Beatty Electric. He and his wife retired to Albuquerque in 1994. Don was an avid hunter, fisherman, golfer, bowler, baseball, and softball and snooker player. His greatest love was baseball and while living in Gallup, he played on the Gamerco Miners semi-pro team. He bowled on several teams and at the 1964 National Bowling Tournament came in #88 in singles in the U.S. His most precious moments were spending time with his sons, brother-in-law John and his boys, his grandsons, nephews, great-nephews and friends who made "hunting camp" a special place down in the Gila Wilderness near Luna, NM. For over 50 years they roamed the mountains and streams and created life-long memories. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a contribution in Donald's memory to Hospice de la Luz, 3812 Academy Parkway NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109 and the New Mexico Alzheimer's Association, 9500 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Suite 121, Albuquerque, NM 87111. A Prayer Vigil will be held on Tuesday, January 17, 2012, 7:00 p.m., at French - Wyoming Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 18, 2012, 11:00 a.m., at Risen Savior Catholic Church, 7701 Wyoming Blvd. NE, with Monsignor Leo Gomez officiating. A private family interment ceremony will be held at the National Veteran's Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM at a later date.