Calvin W “Cowboy” Sparks, 92, passed away on Saturday, October 13, 2018, surrounded by his family. He was born April 22 1926. Cowboy enjoyed spending time with his family grilling out and doing yard work. In his younger years Cowboy like to hunt and fish, work with horses with his grandchildren.
He served in World War II from 1944-46 with the U.S. Army Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion 20th Infantry Group. His decorations/citations included the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Campaign ribbon with Bronze Star, Bronze Arrowhead; Philippine Liberation Campaign Ribbon with Bronze Star; Good Conduct Medal; and received the Purple Heart Medal on May 1945. Cowboy married the love of his life, Gladys Marie Beavers on October 31, 1947. After the military, Cowboy helped start C W & A where he worked until retiring in 2017.
He is survived by his daughters, Carolyn Aills and Teresa Quinn, both of Victoria; grandchildren, Becky and Jesse Hester of Midland, Texas, Brandy Aills of Victoria, Brian Aills of Churubusco, Indiana, Bridgette Mares of Clayton, North Carolina, Amber and Stephen Brandis of Montgomery, Texas, Robin Vasquez of Austin, Texas; and 17 great grandchildren; and 8 great-great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Jackson and Cora Bell McCurry; wife, Gladys Marie Sparks; infant daughter, Joan Allen; brothers, Warren Sparks, W.J. Sparks, Allen Sparks, Wallace Sparks, Dale Sparks, Kenneth Sparks; and sister, Lucille Heinrick.
The family will gather for a visitation on Wednesday, October 17, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Colonial Funeral Home.
Funeral Service will be held Thursday, October 18, 2018 at 10:00 am to be held at Colonial Funeral Home, Rev. Carl Westbrook presiding.
Burial will follow at Crescent Valley Cemetery.
Full Military Honors under the auspices of the Victoria County Veterans Council. Serving as pallbearers will be Chuck Naiser, Stephen Brandes, Brian Aills, Tommy Quinn, Leslie Gayle Sparks, Jimmy Dale Sparks, Marcus Allen Sparks, and Shirley Sparks.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com
