Robert Eugene Sparks, or Eugene to his family and friends, was born on September 28th, 1958 in Tahlequah, Ok, the son of Robert and Alma May (Fears) Sparks. He was raised with two brothers and two sisters, Phyllis, Karen, Michael, and Don. He attended school in Sallisaw, Ok and then decided to move to Tahlequah to begin his lifelong career at NSU as the night supervisor for the Sanitation Technicians. Eugene loved his job, and he was the kindest person to speak words of encouragement, or sometimes just say “Hi” to someone that needed to hear it. When the work was done, now it was time to do some serious fishing and hunting. He would hunt for animals like quail, deer, rabbits, ducks and always loved a day spent fishing. Fishing for Eugene was a competitors sport, and the inability to reel in the big one would make his sense of humor fade fast. He enjoyed working on small engines like lawnmowers and the occasional odd car engines. This country boy loved the view of sunrise from his own front porch. He was normally in the company of his dog and getting ready to go out and do a little gardening, he raised the most beautiful gardens. Eugene was blessed with a great sense of humor and the ability to tell a story for every occasion. When he felt the need to laugh and joke to the masses, he liked an evening at the casino. His family and friends were very special to Eugene. He never married and raised a family but was a mentor to many kids. He taught them how to fish and about life. He thought they were the best people in town. His health began to fade, but you would never have known it. He continued working and carried on like he still had so many things to do. He passed from this life on Thursday, April 22nd, 2021 surrounded by friends and family. He was 62 years old.
He is preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Alta May Fears and his paternal grandparents, Robert and Ora (Owens) Sparks. He is also preceded in death by his two special uncles Roy Sparks and Cletus Fears.
Funeral services for Robert “Eugene” Sparks will be held on Tuesday, April 27th, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Reed-Culver Funeral Home with Pastor Chip Hinds officiating. Pallbearers for Eugene include Michael Wallace, Donald Wallace, Sandy Fears, Ken Fears, Bert Osburn, and Leon Sparks. Honorary pallbearers include Austin Guy, Cory Guy, Eslie Jordan, Jesse Dallis, Mathew Sparks, Tucker Friend, Toby Friend, Kaden Sparks, Kale Sparks, and John Stanley. His family will have a visitation on Monday, April 26th, 2021 beginning at 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Reed-Culver Chapel. Eugene will be laid to rest at Price Cemetery in Tahlequah, Ok. Online condolences for his family may be left at www.reedculver.com.
