Allen Benton "Ben" Sparks

He graced God’s green earth on August 29, 1928, the son of J. Frank Sparks and Linnie Daugherty Sparks of Eastland, Texas. He attended Eastland public schools, graduating high school in 1945. He participated in all sports, excelling in track, and obtained his Eagle

Scout rank in 1944, with two palms.

He met Margaret Trigg in Eastland, Texas, where they attended high school. Courting on “High School Hill,” he gave her their first kiss that sealed their fate. It was the truest love for the ages. Ben once came calling at 4:30 in the morning for Margaret. Her father, Dan O., answered the door wondering what he was doing at their house so early in the morning. Ben answered he was taking Margaret on a date, squirrel hunting~ Ben always joked it was a delicacy. Ben was also fond of swing dancing the night away with his beauty. They married August 19, 1950.

Ben attended the University of Texas one year, loving time spent diving off the spring board at Barton Springs Pool, transferring after that year to be with the love of his life, Margaret, at North Texas State, now University of North Texas.

Ben was an athlete. He loved to swim and dive, particularly off the Cisco Lake tower, displaying his infamous jackknife from the top. He could run like the wind, working his way into a track scholarship at the University of North Texas, lettering three years in the “half miler.” His senior year, he was chosen as Captain of the 1950 track team, and named “Mr. Track” of UNT.

After marrying his love and graduating from the University, he enlisted in the U. S. Naval Reserve in 1950. He was active duty U. S. Navy from 1952-1954 until discharged honorably.

Ben moved to Colorado City with his love and three children, Mary Margaret, Allen, and Sally in 1955. He loved taking his family to Cloudcroft, NM, where they skied, hiked, and played golf. Ben was an avid golfer, having one of the most suave swings, and known to play with some of the best, including Don Maynard and Don January. He and his family spent hours on their ranch south of Colorado City. He taught each of his kids to drive a “stick” on the ranch. Being there was a favorite pastime for them all.

Ben began his accomplished career in construction while living in Breckenridge, Texas, after his discharge from the Navy, working for his father-in-law, Dan O. Trigg. After relocating to Colorado City, he had Sparks Construction Company. His work was an art. He pursued projects such as Fairway Oaks Golf Course in Abilene, Kansas City Chiefs and LA Rams practice field, where he was also privileged to ride in the Goodyear Blimp during a game. He loved his work and recognized every location he ever worked, and golf course he played. Ben loved running the bulldozer. He was a meticulous artist when building, shaping, and conserving the land through “dirt work.”

Ben had an active social life and knack for adventure. He and his buddies rode off out west to the Big Bend annually for years, doing trail rides with their mules and personality. Margaret would always smart off saying “here you go, off on your ass again”, as he left for the Ernest Barnett Memorial Trail Ride. In January 1984, Ben and his buddies were on their annual trail ride where reporter Randy Green documented and published about their ride for Texas Highways. Ben was always exhilarated when talking about the fun that was had on the rides with some of his best friends. Horse rides, wildlife, campfire cookouts, and stick horse races were among some of his favorite memories of the times.

He was a passionate and dedicated man, proudly patriotic, a love for Big Band music, and his prized Bass Tub, which he played on multiple occasions, including the Mitchell County Centennial and Old Timer Reunions. The man could keep a beat and always with a smile.

Ben served on the Colorado Independent School District Board of Trustees for three years, and continued to support CISD by following his passion in track, keeping time for the annual Lone Wolf Relays. His patriotism and pride for community and country lead Ben to volunteer at the annual J. O. Dockery Fly-In helping planes land and park, escorting pilots to the FBO, and hanging flags for the occasion alongside dear friends.

He was a friend to so many, rarely missing a date at the local bank to hear the news around town. He attended his college track reunions annually, playing in the Annual UNT Lettermans Golf Classic, of which he won two awards, in 1998 and 2003, winning the “Dead Ass Last” award. He kept up with all of his friends, near and far. He was known as “gentle Ben”. “I’m awful careful ‘bout the words I say- I keep them tender and sweet- ‘cause I never know from day to day- which ones I’ll have to eat!” was one of his favorite quotes pinned in his office. He had a quote or comic clipping for every occasion. There was nothing better than his funnies in your birthday card, or getting a hug with a quip of wit. Ben had a serious side, sharing stories of his past to any lending ear. His passion for history and family ran deep in his bones. When the opportunity arose, he never missed an opportunity to make silly faces with his grandchildren. In fact, Ben would stand outside in the driveway after school and flick acorns with his grands. He basically out did us all, as he could flick it across the street, and we could barely get it to the end of the driveway. He had talent from head to toe, and in the tips of his fingers.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Judge J. Frank Sparks and Linnie Daugherty Sparks, his brothers Dick and Joe, and sister Pat, and many loyal and dedicated friends.

It is said “Love leaves behind more than death takes away.” His legacy lives on in his family as he is survived by his beauty and life love of 71 years, Margaret Ann Sparks, children Mary Margaret Cox and husband Robert of Colorado City, Texas, Allen Sparks and wife Megan of Dallas, Texas, and Sally Neff and husband Mickey of Colorado City, Texas; eight doting grandchildren, Stan Neff, Sarah Ann Cox-Kuss, Nicole Ann Neff-Singleton, Tanner James Cox, Connor Sparks, Luke Sparks, Matthew Neff, and Hallie Deane Sparks, and their spouses, five great-grandchildren, and dear nieces and nephews.

One of his most prized accomplishments was building the Logsdon Reservoir Dam, near where he will be laid in his final resting place. A graveside celebration will be held at Little Blue Cemetery at Neff Ranch – 2349 W CR 141 Colorado City, TX on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at 2:00pm under the care and direction of Kiker-Seale Funeral Home. Boots and jeans suggested for the celebration of his life. Pallbearers will be Stanley Neff, Tanner Cox, Connor Sparks, Luke Sparks, Matthew Neff, Luke Kuss, Clint Singleton, and Q Oliver.

In lieu of flowers, consider contributions to West Texas Rehab in remembrance. Donations may be made online at www.westtexasrehab.org or by mail to 4601 Hartford St. Abilene, TX 79605