John Crawford Sparks

John C. Sparks, 67 of Natchitoches, LA, passed away on September 12, 2024, surrounded by his entire world: his wife, his three daughters, his three granddaughters, his precious three great-grands, and several others that meant everything to him. 

He is leaving behind a beautiful legacy of love and family, which obviously were the most important things to him, next to his cattle! 

A graveside service will take place at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Robeline, LA, on September 17, 2024, at 11:00 AM with Rev. Dennis Bjornberg , Rev. Matthew Pagels, and Rev. Rodney Boswell officiating. There will be a visitation from 9:00 am until 10:30 am at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home prior to the service. 

 To know John was to know his love for “his herd” of cattle, which includes his heifers, his three girls, and all things farm related. 

He lived a life of a cattleman for the last thirty years, but it truly became his world after meeting CD Brazzel and Bob Shoalmire who were, in his eyes, the real deal cowboys and they taught him well.

He leaves behind his wife of forty-six years, Elaine McNeal Sparks; three daughters, Jennifer Sparks (Vilfried Metoyer III), Mollie Sparks, and Katie Lindsey (Man Lindsey); three granddaughters, Hannah Chanler (Stephen Chanler), Haleigh Boswell (Marcus Davis), and Khloe Crochet; three great grandchildren, Liam Tate Chanler, Lynox Rayne Chanler, and Stella Anne Davis, and one great-grandchild on the way, Selah James Davis. 

Also honoring his memory, and in his words are “his outlaws”, Rodney Boswell and Daniel Crochet whom he loved dearly; his brothers, Charles “Bo” Sparks of Many, LA, Donald Sparks of Robeline, LA, and David “Red” Sparks of Many, LA; his sister, Louise Strickland of Chopin, LA; his brother and sister-in-law, Billy and Dianne Weeks; brother and sister-in-law, Allen and Catherine McNeal; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Preston and Wilma Sparks of Robeline, LA; a brother Bobby Sparks of Robeline, LA; a nephew Michael Sparks of Campti, LA; sister in laws, Linda Sparks of Many, LA and Jennifer Jordan Sparks of Robeline, LA; and his father and mother-in-law JD and Juanita McNeal of Natchitoches, LA.

Those honored to be pallbearers will be Liam Tate Chanler, Man Lindsey, Stephen Chanler, Marcus Davis, Dr. Alfred Ajise, Vilfried Metoyer III(Junie), Daniel Crochet, Mike Gay, and Ralph Dowden. Honorary Pallbearers will be Donald Sparks, Bo Sparks, Red Sparks, Billy Weeks, Allen McNeal, Glen Byles, Dan Roque, Jerry Callens.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Alfred Ajise, Fresicnus Kidney Care East Natchitoches, Dr. Kathleen Kautz, Amber Savell, FNP and their entire staff, all the staff and the nurses of Willis Knighten North CCU and 4th floor med-surge team and Hospice of Natchitoches. They were all amazing and gave John exceptional care and we are forever thankful for you all.

Also we ask that anyone who attends that has a vintage car of any kind to please come and ride in the procession because Dad loved all old cars and trucks.

John always said, “I’m going to the upppppeer roooooom!”