Chris A. Sparks Obit

Services to celebrate the life of Chris A. Sparks, 46, of Calera, Okla., and formerly of Oroville, Calif., who passed away on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008, at his home will be held Thursday, Dec. 4, at 4 p.m. at Victory Life Church. Kenny Perry will officiate. Chris was born Aug. 15, 1962, in Portersville, Calif., to Benjamin William and Peggy Lou (Gann) Sparks. He attended and graduated from Las Plumas, California High School and continued his education by receiving his Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science from the University of Maryland. Chris proudly and honorably served his Country in the United States Navy for eight years as an aviation mechanic and served six years in the Army National guard. He received the Battle "E" Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Southwest Asia Service Medal with a Bronze Star and the Kuwait Liberation Medal.

Chris moved to Bryan County in 2006 and later married Jodi Paeper on Sept. 1, 2006, in Denison, Texas. He was a member of Victory Life Church and he enjoyed sci-fi movies, astronomy and was an avid knife collector.

Chris will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Chris was preceded in death by brother, Ringo Sparks; sister, Cheryl Ann Sparks; grandparents, Buren and Maudean Gann and Vol and Opal Sparks; and uncle, Jerry Wayne Gann.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife Jodi Sparks of the home; daughter Katie Sparks of Japan; mother Peggy Sparks of Calera; father Benjamin Sparks of Oroville, Calif.; sister, Lynette Dollar of Oroville, Calif.; and numerous other relatives and a host of dear and loved friends.

Interment will be at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery Friday, Dec. 5, 1:30 p.m. with Kenny Perry, Kim Melton, Larry Elam, Greg Sparks, John Firquain, Tyler Firquain and Craig Paeper serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at the Funeral Home on Wednesday from 6-8 p.m.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.brownsfuneralservice. com.

Brown's Funeral Service, Durant, is handling the arrangements.