Richard Monroe Sparkman

Richard “Dick” Monroe Sparkman, passed away on May 2 ^nd , 2023 in Denton, Texas. His family is deeply saddened by the loss. Dick was born on October 25, 1933, he was 89 years old.

Dick is survived by his wife, Barbara Sparkman, and daughter, Robin Braden, son-in-law, Jeff Braden of Northlake Texas, two grandsons, Austin Braden of Northlake Texas and Logan Braden of Northlake Texas along with many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Edna Sparkman of St Joseph, Missouri, his brother Hank Sparkman of Long Beach, California, his sister Lois Augustine of Mountain Home, Arkansas and his sister Doris Howard of St Joseph, Missouri.

Dick attended Central High School in St Joseph Missouri. After graduating, he began working for Western Electric but was called to military service and joined the US Navy aboard the USS Bremerton during the Korean War. He served for 3 ½ years. After an honorable discharge, he returned to his job at Western Electric. In 1958, he and Barbara were married in St Joseph Missouri. Later his job moved him to the St Louis area. Western Electric became Southwestern Bell and then AT&T. He worked in the telephone/communications industry for over 40 years. He retired from AT&T and worked a few years with Graybar Electric and retired from there.

After their daughter moved to Texas, they decided to move to Gainesville in 1987. He was always a great supporter of his wife and daughters passion for showing quarter horses. He was the best driver and groom around. If you heard someone whistling, it was Dick. He enjoyed meeting people and never met a stranger.

While in Gainesville, he became involved with the Republican Party and worked the voting polls. His other passion was genealogy. With his genealogy searches, he helped to remark the graves at a small cemetery along Hwy 82.

A graveside service is scheduled for 2:00 PM Tuesday, May 9, 2023 in Fairview Cemetery with Pastor Brad Cockrell officiating.