Obituary of John Robert Sparks

John Robert “Bob” Sparks was born on November 28, 1917 in Pendleton, Oregon. He passed away on February 25, 2011 at the age of 94. Bob married Irene Wallin on February 7, 1942 in Portland. The couple just celebrated their 70th anniversary with family and friends on February 11th. Bob is survived by his wife, Irene Sparks; son James Sparks of Lake Oswego; daughter Cindy Hall of Tualatin; son John Sparks of Fall River, Oregon; sister Opal Rhinhart of Pendleton, Oregon; 3 granddaughters and 5 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his daughter Judy in 1960. Bob served in the U.S. Army during WWII from October 1942 to January 1946. He began his service at the receiving station in Portland, Oregon, and ended up serving in Saipan. He worked for the Union Pacific Railroad for almost 40 years, and served as the union’s secretary for many years. Bob’s main priority in his earlier years was supporting his loving wife and his children. They would spend time together travelling, camping, boating, hunting and fishing. In later years, he enjoyed his grandchildren and then his great grandchildren. After Bob retired, he enjoyed working in his yard and tending to a small garden. Bob was a long-time member of the St. Andrews Presbyterian church in Southwest Portland. Bob’s survivors held a private family graveside service at Rose City Cemetery, where Bob was laid to rest beside his daughter, Judy. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church (St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 3228 SW Sunset Blvd., Portland, OR 97239) or to the Umatilla County Historical Society (Umatilla Co. Historical Society, Heritage Station Museum, P.O. Box 253, Pendleton, OR 97801). Arrangements by Crown Memorial Center – Tualatin.