John A. Sparks

John "Lefty" Sparks passed away August 6, 2014 after a brief illness. John was born in Omaha, NE on April 1, 1933. His family moved to Los Angeles when he was young and he graduated from Bell High School. He proudly served in the US Navy aboard the USS Toucan during the Korean War. He married his high school sweetheart, Virginia Anderson and moved to Anaheim where he raised his three children. He had a lifelong career with the Operating Engineers Local 12 as a crane operator and subsequently headed the apprenticeship program in Orange County teaching a new generation his skills and most importantly his values as a hard working, honest man of great integrity. He was a member of the Masons for many years achieving the titles of High Priest, Illustrious Master and Commander of the Long Beach Commandry of the York Rite. John was preceded in death by his wife Virginia after 50 years of marriage. He leaves behind three children Sue, Marilyn (Edward) and John (Christine), 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He will truly be missed.