Charles Edward Sparks

Charles Edward Sparks, 97, passed away at his home, as was his wish. He was taken to his eternal home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

Charles was given birth of life by his mother, Myrtle Elizabeth Ball Sparks, with Albert Newton Sparks, his father on November 23, 1927, in Phoenix, Arizona. They moved to Victoria, Texas when he was three years old, following the death of his grandfather, James Edward Sparks. They lived in the rural area of Victoria until he entered junior high and they moved into the first house they owned in one of the suburbs of Victoria. Charles completed high school and junior college there. He then went to the University of Texas at Austin to study engineering and graduated in 1950 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

While at the University, he met a wonderful girl, Geraldine Iris Leschber, (Gerry) from Walburg, Texas. She lived in Austin and worked at a bank. They first met at the end of 1949. Charles saw Gerry's picture in the wallet of a friend of hers and said, "I'd like to meet her." Charles told his family that was when he knew she was the one. Their relationship developed from their meeting at a bowling alley, enjoying a Christmas party and spending time together with Charles' proposal after he graduated from college. (Charles kept the napkin from the party in his mother's bible, Romans chapter 5, all these years.) They married on November 19, 1950, even though Gerry expressed that she was too young to get married. Gerry's dad agreed but approved of it and loved Charles dearly. Charles became a member of Trinity Lutheran Church on May 28, 1950, when he was confirmed in the Faith and Baptized as one of God's children, belonging to him forever. Charles and Gerry developed a long-lasting connection and bond that sustained them through all of life's ups and downs for 74+ years. It was a beautiful sight to witness for all that knew them. Charles and Gerry were truly devoted to each other, a blessing to each other and to their family. He also enjoyed playing golf. Charles followed his favorite football teams regularly, the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Longhorns.

Charles' first engineering job was with Lockheed in Burbank, California. Charles then went to work for Vought as a lead designer for aircraft cockpit for the military. Then, he was recruited by a coworker to work at NASA in Houston. He traveled with astronauts, with John Glenn and Charles "Pete" Conrad, being the two he knew the best. After NASA, Charles chose to return to Vought in Grand Prairie to work on a new contract to build a new attack aircraft for the Navy. He retired from Vought in 1990. Charles continued to share his knowledge by teaching at the Tarrant County Junior College and then found it interesting to serve on the grand jury. Charles' hobby was taking care of his beautiful home that he designed and his immaculate yard.

God blessed Charles and Gerry with the gift of two wonderful children, John Charles Sparks and Susan Lorraine Sparks. He also has three outstanding grandchildren from John and Melissa Morell: John Charles Sparks, Jr., Christina Sparks Pecina and Jeremy Thomas Sparks. Charles has been blessed with 11 great grandchildren: Kynnady, Mackynzie, Faith, Trinity, Gracin, Logan, Christian, Kaylani, Zoe, Charles, Lucinda. Another special person in Charles' life is Chelsea Bold, the mother of Kynnady and Mackynzie. Charles was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers. He is survived by his loving wife, Gerry; two children, John and Susan; his sweet sister, Dorothy E. Sparks Morris and all the grandchildren and great grandchildren listed above. He will be deeply missed by his family.

There will be an inurnment service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Memorial Gifts be designated to Grace Lutheran Church for the narthex renovation to improve mobility access to the church or to any Christian organization that focuses on spreading the word of Jesus.

All are welcome to celebrate Charles Sparks following the service for a time of fellowship with refreshments and snacks at the Sparks’ home: 4014 Shady Valley Dr., Arlington, TX 76013.