Donald Ray "Don" Sparks

Donald Ray “Don” Sparks, age 89 passed away at his home in Calallen, TX on Wednesday, April 7, 2021. He was born on April 3, 1932 in Glen Rose, TX to Verde Sparks and Vira Shugart.

Don graduated from William Adams High School in 1950 and attended Texas A & I University in Kingsville. He proudly served in the United States Air Force where he was stationed in Ogden, UT.

Don met his sweetheart, the love of his life, Dixie Dea, at Dorman’s Drive-In in Alice, TX. They had a wonderful marriage of 40 years. He and Dixie raised three children and Don worked as a petroleum landman.

Don, affectionately, known as “PaPa Don”, was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was an avid saltwater fisherman. Don had a fishing cabin in Baffin Bay and Port Mansfield where he spent many weekends with his family and friends.

He loved the Rocky Mountains, taking his family on many ski trips, and spending summers camping and watching the leaves turn in the fall. Don was a loyal Calallen Wildcat sports fan, following his grandchildren’s football, track, volleyball, tennis, and basketball careers.

PaPa Don will be remembered by all as someone who lived life to the fullest and always loved being with his greatest treasure, his family.

Preceded in death by, his loving wife of 40 years, Dixie Risinger Sparks and siblings, Millie Walker, Pauline Carnes, and Ronald Sparks.

Survivors left to cherish his memories are his children, Scott (Lisa) Sparks of Calallen, TX, Lori (Randy) Harwell of Corpus Christi, TX, and Shannon (Scott) Hans of Calallen, TX; grandchildren, Austin (Laura) Harwell, Abigail Harwell, Tanner Sparks, Harper Hans, and Hollann Hans; great-grandchildren, Carlee Ray Harwell and Carson Don Harwell; and brother, Doug (Gayle) Sparks

Family will be receiving friends from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Sunday, April 11, 2021 at Holmgreen Mortuary, 2061 E. Main St. Alice, TX. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, April 12, 2021 at Holmgreen Mortuary Chapel; officiated by Pastor Wes Bevly. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Holmgreen Mortuary, 2061 E. Main St. Alice, TX 78332.

Condolences for the family may be offered at www.holmgreenmortuaryinc.com and shared via Holmgreen Mortuary Facebook.

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