LaVorn G. Sparks

LaVorn G. Sparks 9/29/14 ~ 4/11/03  LaVorn G. Sparks passed away at home of congestive heart failure with his wife at his side, Friday, April 11, 2003 at age 88.  He was born in Eden, Texas, September 29, 1914 to Jim and Lillian Nesmith Sparks. He married Beatrice Mathews in Los Angeles, California, March 1, 1936. They lived together in great love and happiness.  He is survived by his wife of and his two younger brothers, Harrell (Loretta) and Tommy (June) Sparks. Also by three children, 11 grandchildren and eight great-grand-children: Suzette Sparks, Lincoln City, Oregon and her two children, Lee Pembleton and Ali (John) Pembleton; LaVorn Jr. "Sparky" (Jeannie) Sparks of Provo, Utah and their eight children, Tim, (Andrea) Sparks, Todd (Shaunna) Sparks and their son, Gabriel; Tiffany (Brae) Burbridge and their sons, Alec, Zachary, Noah; Julianne (Chandler) Allan and their children Ramzy and Iver; Chad (Jaimi) Sparks and their children, Tanner and Abbie, Randy, Brooke and Matthew Sparks; Cindy Sparks of Albany, Oregon. He was preceded in death by daughter, Bonny L and a granddaughter, Tracy Lynne. LaVorn spent his early years in Texas and Oklahoma where he learned the necessity of hard work. His father died when he was ten years old, which left him, the eldest son, to help support the family consisting of his mother and three boys. He was very creative and innovative throughout his active and successful life. During World War II, he moved to California where there was more opportunity. He owned several businesses and met his dear, sweet wife, Beatrice. He was very active in church, community and business. In 1964, they moved to Provo where he continued to be extremely active and involved in community, church and business. He was a builder and developer who was ahead of his time in ideas and plans. He was always serving others and was a friend to all. Outgoing, friendly, sincerely interest in the well being of others and the well being of the community, world, county, country and city serving on and chairing many committees, such as Chairman Utah County Republican Party, Chairman 4th of July celebration, Red Cross, Boy Scouts, UVSC, BYU, National Parks Council, to name just a few. He served in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and his wife served a mission in the Family to Family Book of Mormon Program for three years and worked three years at the MTC. He served as a BYU Bishop three times and remained in contact with his ward members as if they were family. The world was his family. He was seen for many years driving one of his many antique cars in a variety of parades around the state. He loved people and was a loyal American! He talked to everyone and was interested in them and in life. He lived life to the fullest and enjoyed every minute right to the end. His desire was to make a difference in this world and he really did. He will be greatly missed by his family and many others.. He was "grandpa Sparks" to more than just his own. He was generous, friendly, ambitious, creative and innovative. He made a difference and the world is a better place because of his life! Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 19, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. in the Edgemont North 19th Ward Chapel, 4775 North 300 West, Provo, Utah. Friends may call Friday evening at the Chapel for a viewing from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday morning from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. prior to service. Burial will be in the Orem City Cemetery. Anyone wishing to send condolences to the family, please visit www.walkerfamilymortuaries.com