Robert Hiram Sparks

Robert "Butch" Hiram Sparks, Jr., passed away at home in Austin on Saturday, September 27, 2008. He had fought esophageal cancer for more than two years with bravery, tenacity and quiet dignity. Born in Temple, Texas, on August 2, 1943, Butch spent his early years in Troy and Temple and graduated from Chula Vista High School, Chula Vista, CA. He received a B.A. in Political Science from San Diego State University in 1965 and a J.D. from The University of Texas School of Law in 1969. Butch had been employed as the Executive Director of the Licensed Beverage Distributors for more than 33 years, lobbying in Texas and Washington, D.C. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Austin Club since 1976. Butch is survived by his wife of 33 years, Lisa Bearden Sparks; their daughter Lauren Sparks Hamner and her husband Herschel Towles Hamner III, and grandchildren Catherine Marlowe Hamner and Robert Pierce Hamner, who was named after his beloved "Pops". He is also survived by his sister, Jackie Sparks, cousins, Cindy Wiewel and Sandra Grossman and mother-in-law, Halene A. Bearden. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jean E. and Robert H. Sparks and father-in-law, Richard C. Bearden. Butch was a gentle and kind man whose true passion was his family. He was a deeply devoted husband, father, grandfather and father-in-law and considered the love he shared with his family his greatest accomplishment. Eschewing traditional hobbies, he chose instead to spend his spare time joyfully giving them his undivided attention, support and love. His happiest moments were spent in their presence, although he did love his Saturday morning coffee group, playing poker with the "boys", spending hours on the phone discussing politics, and shopping at Central Market and Costco. Over the years, he spent hours giving wise advice to many young men and women who considered him their confidant and mentor. Butch was truly wonderful and selfless with a sweet and generous heart. He had an enormous zest for life, and his laugh was infectious. A true and loyal friend, Butch was given the special gift of saying goodbye to those he loved most. All those whose lives he touched will miss him tremendously. The family wishes to express deep gratitude and thanks to their many cherished friends and colleagues, with special appreciation to the dedicated doctors, nurses and staff at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210, or Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road #100, Austin, TX 78759. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2008, at the First United Methodist Church Austin, 1201 Lavaca, followed by a "Celebration of Life" reception at the Austin Club, 110 E. 9th Street. The Texas Automobile Dealers Association has made available the 4th Floor of their parking garage located at the southwest corner of 12th and Lavaca for funeral parking.