Larry Jim Sparks, 70, passed away peacefully at his home on September 8, 2007. He was born on December 11, 1936 in Spearman, Texas to James and Lometa Sparks. He spent his childhood in Perryton and Spearman where he met his life love, Ann. Larry Graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from West Texas State College in Canyon, Texas, and received his MA from Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado, where he loved to spend his spare time fishing.
Larry married Patricia Ann Vaughn (Ann) in 1956 and they had two children, Robert James and Lee Ann.
Larry’s life-long career as a Band and Choir Director touched many lives. Many of his students have gone on to become professional musicians and teachers.
Mr. Sparks taught from 1959 to 1975 in Memphis TX, Gruver TX, Sundown TX, Hobart OK, and Denver City TX. He then moved to Canyon Lake where he maintained his residence for the rest of his life. His first position in this area was with Comal ISD in New Braunfels TX, serving as music teacher at Mountain Valley School from 1975-1976 and opening Smithson Valley High School as its first Band Director from 1976-1985. Larry then began working for SAISD in San Antonio, serving as Band Director for Fox Tech High School from 1986-1987 and finishing his career at Thomas A. Edison High School from 1987-1996. He then joined Ann in retirement.
Larry was an active member of several organizations including the Masonic Lodge, the Lion’s Club, Texas Bandmaster’s Association and Texas Music Educator’s Association. He made many close friends over the years and influenced many lives. He was particularly known for his incredible ability to tell fascinating stories to anyone that would listen. He will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Sparks, his parents, James and Lometa Sparks of Spearman TX, and his brother, Jerry Sparks of Amarillo TX.
He is survived by his brother, Evan Sparks of San Antonio, his niece, Abbie Wisdom of Witchita KS, his children, Robert James Sparks and wife Jean of Plano TX, and Lee Ann Steeves and husband Greg of Canyon Lake, and six grandchildren, Thomas, Sarah and Mary Sparks, Stuart and Erin Olsen, and Karli Steeves.
Details for a memorial service will be announced here in the near future.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Lion’s Club in lieu of flowers.
Mom and Dad's cat, Ashur, died yesterday. He'd been suffering from renal failure for years, and we figured he was just hanging in there for Dad. He always did have to have the last word :)
