Duane Verlyn Sparks

Duane Verlyn Sparks, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on June 28, 2016 after a short illness. The family had joyfully celebrated his 90th birthday this past November. Duane was born on November 6, 1925 to James E. and Gladys Meyers Sparks in Kansas City, Kansas. He had one older brother, James Dale Sparks. He graduated from Argentine High School in 1942 and joined the Army Specialized Training Program for college and officer training. After receiving a medical discharge, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in chemical engineering at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. Duane began his career in management with Procter and Gamble in Kansas City. In 1953 he was transferred to the Sacramento plant where he remained until he retired in 1987.

Duane was a committed family man. He met his first wife, Alberta Ellen Griffin, at school. They dated during high school and married in 1945. They had three children together. Candy and Patty were born in Kansas City and Jim was born in Sacramento. Growing up, the family enjoyed drives in the country, camping trips, and train rides to Kansas City and Texas to visit grandparents. With Jim, Duane would hunt, fish, camp, and take float trips. The girls enjoyed going to Broadway musicals and movies with Duane. Christmas and Thanksgiving holidays were always special family times. Duane set an example for his family by being an involved member of the North Sacramento United Methodist Church and then at St. Marks United Methodist Church.

Duane and Alberta enjoyed travel and went on many U.S. and international trips. They visited Europe, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Fiji, and Tahiti in addition to many other places. They were members of the Starlight Shufflers Square Dance Group for many years and were members at Del Norte Swim and Tennis Club where they played tennis together.

Duane readily embraced his children’s spouses as part of the family. The family increased by the addition of Patty’s husband, George Schubel, and Jim’s wife, Diane. As the grandchildren arrived (Cory, Julie, Joe, and Stacey), they were indulged and loved. The joyful addition of great grandchildren (Grant, Ryleigh, Bryonne, and Ruby) added more family members to be spoiled and loved. Duane welcomed his grandchildren’s spouses into the family as well (Cory’s wife Amber, Joe’s wife Lisa, and Julie’s husband Lou). Whoever was at family celebrations was welcomed. Duane loved to be with his family.

When Alberta became ill, Duane was a devoted caregiver for seven years. After she passed away, Duane married family friend, Joella Moncrief, in 1991. This increased the family by the addition of Joella’s children (Jack and Dave, Jack’s wife Karol, and Joella’s grandchildren and their spouses, Haley (Fena) and Jordan (Paula). Duane and Joella enjoyed traveling together, including a cruise around South America and a trip to Chile for Haley’s and Fena’s wedding. They also traveled to China twice, to Tibet, and traveled throughout the U.S. They enjoyed square dancing, tennis, and their bridge groups. They had season tickets to the Music Circus. Duane recently traveled to Washington D.C. to see son-in-law, George, receive an award from the American Red Cross.

In the last few years, Duane made peace with the neighborhood squirrels giving them their own feeder in addition to the hummingbird and bird feeders in the backyard. He also continued to have a garden each summer. He enjoyed walking their dog, Libby, each day. Libby was a great companion to Duane, following him everywhere around the house.

Duane leaves a legacy of love and an example of how to be a responsible and caring husband, father, and grandfather. He will be forever missed by all the family that he loved dearly.