Larry Dale Sparks

Larry Dale Sparks, 83, of Abilene, passed away on May 3, 2025. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church, with burial preceding the service at 9:00 a.m. at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene. Attendees are encouraged to celebrate Larry's life by wearing patriotic colors to the service and burial. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be streamed through Zion's YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@zionlutheranchurchabilenet9770.

Larry was born on June 13, 1941, in Goodland, Kansas, to Dallas "Dale" Thomas and Gertrude Margaret Schwertfeger. He enjoyed small-town life but was drawn to explore beyond the sunflowers and windmills, leading him to enlist in the U.S. Air Force on September 8, 1959. Soon after, he married Sarah "Sally" Lea Sherrod, on August 21, 1960. Larry began his military career as a Law Enforcement Specialist, serving in that role for over four years before transitioning to Aircraft Maintenance Management, where he dedicated more than two decades of his life. His distinguished military career spanned more than 24 years and culminated in achieving the highest enlisted rank of Chief Master Sergeant.

During his tenure, he was assigned to bases across the U.S. and the world, including Morocco, Spain, Germany, and Thailand. While proudly serving his country, he also received the rank of "Dad" with the birth of his and Sally's two children, Cynthia and Elton. The family treasured their shared travels to local attractions, including London, Amsterdam, Berlin, and Paris. In 1980, Larry was assigned to Dyess AFB, where he completed his military service and retired on August 1, 1984.

Throughout his career, Larry earned numerous commendations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Distinguished Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, among others.

After retirement, Larry and Sally pursued their dream of country living, purchasing land and eventually relocating and renovating a 1920s farmhouse into their ideal home. Larry embarked on a second career as a bus driver for Abilene ISD, faithfully serving students and families for twenty years while also helping raise his grandchildren, Garolyn and Zachary. His final retirement years were spent enjoying life on the farm, tinkering with projects, fishing, and spending time with his family. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and a former member of Grace Lutheran Church.

Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Sally Sparks; son, Elton Sparks; great-granddaughter, Baby Girl Sparks; parents; and brother, Jeryl Sparks. He is survived by his daughter, Cynthia Sparks of Abilene; granddaughter, Garolyn Jergins and husband Joshua of Abilene; grandson, Zachary Sparks and wife Dee of Oklahoma City, OK; great grandchildren, Jayde Turner, Jonathon Sparks, Cheyenne Jergins, Kal-El Jergins, Cordell Jergins, Paisley Jergins, Josiah, Bree, & Lilyan; sister, Myrna Hittle and husband Lee of Ft. Collins, CO; nephews, Sean Sparks of Lewisville, TX and Duane Merz and wife Sheri of Hillsdale, WY; nieces, Sharmin King and husband Adam of Littleton, CO and Shelly MacMacosham and husband Reid of Chandler, AZ; and cousins, Michael Lehman of Goodland, KS and Mary Stewart and husband Dave of Martinsburg, WV.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Larry's name to: Zion Lutheran Church, All Kind Animal Initiative, Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation, Wreaths Across America (TXTXSV-Abilene), or any veteran non-profit of your choosing.

Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com .