Jackie Gene Sparkman

Jackie Gene Sparkman, also known as “Papa Jac”, was born March 10, 1946 in Paragould, Arkansas the son of Louis Casto and Dora Alice Davis Sparkman. He passed away Sunday, October 27, 2013 in Bastrop, Texas at the age of 67. Jack graduated from Paragould High School in 1965. Upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Air Force where he honorably served during the Vietnam Era. He later joined the Army National Guard. Upon completion of his military career, he worked for the Austin Police Department, mostly in the motorcycle division, retiring in 1995 after 25 years of service. He then went to work for the Bastrop County Sheriff’s Department where he retired in 2011 as Sergeant over Civil Process after almost 15 years of service. He was a member of the Patriot Guard, Los Pistoleros Motorcycle Club, APD Retirement Association and Bastrop Association of Sheriff’s Employees. Jack was well loved by those who knew him and he always seemed to run into someone he knew wherever he went, no matter how near or far his travels took him. He spent his time volunteering to assist the law enforcement community as well as Veterans and their families. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, riding motorcycles and travelling. Jack was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Louis and Betty. He is survived by his wife Crystal Burns of Smithville and his children: Kevin Sparkman of Austin, Tim and wife Debbie Sparkman of Rockne, Shannon Vezina and husband Wayne of Humble, Anthony O’Bryan of San Antonio, Hanna O’Bryan and Nicolette O’Bryan of Smithville; Six grandchildren Wesley, Tori, Lexi, Harlie, Hunter and Hayden; Sister Grace Godfrey of Ludowici, GA and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation is 6:00-8:00pm, Thursday, October 31 and Funeral Service is 10:00am, Friday, November 1 at Bastrop Providence Funeral Home in Bastrop. Graveside Services will immediately follow at Young School House Cemetery in Smithville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Wounded Warrior Project in his honor (www.woundedwarriorproject.org).