Col. John C. Sparks, Sr., MD, USAF Ret.

John was born on a farm near Allendale, Illinois to Fred and Grace Sparks. He and his younger brother, William (Bill), brought joy and occasional consternation to their parents with antics such as walking barefoot through cow manure because “it felt so good between our toes”! Throughout his youth and teenage years, John stayed active with farm chores, school, the high school pep squad, and playing saxophone and piano. After graduating from high school, he attended college at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana. He decided to complete his college degree in Chemistry and pursue a medical degree at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. In 1953, he completed his studies and was awarded both a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and a Doctor of Medicine. During his medical internship at St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, he met and later married the love of his life, Ilomay. In 1954, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and from 1957 through 1960, he did his residency in psychiatry at the State Psychiatric Institute in Chicago.

In the summer of 1960, John, Ilomay, and their three young daughters, Karen, Charlotte, and Mary began a long road trip to San Antonio, Texas where he was stationed at Wilford Hall Hospital. While there, they welcomed two more to the family, sons John Jr. and William. In 1968, John received orders to be stationed at Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam where he spent a year as administrator of the base medical facility. After he completed his tour of duty, he returned to Wilford Hall Hospital. He became head of the Department of Psychiatry and during his tenure there, he treated Buzz Aldrin after his return from the moon in 1969. Buzz spoke very highly of John, especially with regards to the very caring and thoughtful treatment he received from him. Eventually, John was promoted to the rank of Colonel and became the Wilford Hall Hospital Administrator. Throughout his military career, John received many awards and medals commending him for his service. These include: Legion of Merit, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. After 26 years of service in the USAF, John retired. Heartfelt thanks for your service to this country!

After his retirement from the military, John continued to serve his community as the Medical Director of the Bexar County Detention Center and Psychiatrist for the Courts. He worked with and cultivated friendships with many local officials including those in the law enforcement community. In gratitude for his service and contributions, county officials named a floor of the University Hospital for him in his honor. After 25 years working for Bexar County, John decided that it was time to retire. However, he did remain active in the local community by serving on several boards dedicated to the improvement of mental health in San Antonio.

John was an avid reader, especially of science fiction. The Star Trek series was one of his favorites. He was a wiz at shorthand which came in handy throughout his medical career. He loved musicals, especially “Mame” and “Fiddler on the Roof”. His favorite singer-songwriter was the French chanteuse, Edith Piaf (“La Vie En Rose”). And one of his favorite movies was the animated film, “Up”, which elicited sentimental feelings in him, especially for his loving wife, Ilomay.

John enjoyed spending birthdays, holidays, and weddings with his family. He looked forward to conversing with his children and grandchildren. He would often reminisce and share stories about his past or about his dog, Sassy, and his cat, Louie. John also enjoyed daily conversations with his brother, Bill, that would often include asking “Cortana” for information and for her insight into the topic at hand. He would periodically phone his cousin, Pat Leeds, and conversation with her would brighten his day.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Grace Sparks, and his beloved wife, Ilomay. John is survived by his brother, Bill Sparks, his children, Karen and Stephen Earle, Charlotte Sparks and Chris, Mary Sparks, John Sparks and Linda, William Sparks and Lawrence, his grandchildren, Christiana and Will Schultz, Christopher Earle and Mallory, Collin Earle, Cameron Earle, Cavin Earle, David Sparks, Matthew Sparks, and great granddaughter, Lore Vada Earle. Heartfelt thanks for being our dad, granddad, and great granddad! We miss you and we love you!

John will be laid to rest with his wife, Ilomay, at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio. A private funeral service will be held on Monday, April 26, 2021 at 2:30pm. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Ella Austin Community Center, the San Antonio Food Bank, and/or the San Antonio Humane Society. Thank you.