Obituary of John Sparks

John Sparks, Jr. January 27, 1928 - March 24, 2010 John Dolf Sparks, Jr., died after a brief illness on March 24, 2010. John was born in Cotton Valley, Louisiana on January 27, 1928 to John Dolf Sparks, Sr. and Mabel Kale Donaldson. He was raised in La Porte and graduated from La Porte High School in 1946. John was a World War II Veteran. He served in the Army as a military police officer and at one time guarded Hideki Tojo, Prime Minister of Japan, who was convicted of war crimes and later hanged. He graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in 1953. In February of 1953 his painting “Vehicle” was selected to become a part of The Museum of Fine Arts permanent collection. John was an ironworker by trade, but always an artist in his heart. He was married to Elizabeth and two step-children, Larry and Bethel Woodring. They divorced in later years. He was interest in all aspects of art. He loved rocks and gems. He had lapidary equipment and made jewelry. He loved history and especially the history of La Porte and this area. He loved to read and watch educational programs. He took care of himself and walked miles a day, took many vitamins and tried to stay in shape. He was never overweight. He loved to tell a story and enjoyed visiting with the postman, his neighbors, his friends, and his family. We will all miss his stories, his memories, his quick wit, and his wonderful sense of humor. He is preceded in death by his parents John and Mabel Sparks, and his sister Betty Wallace. He is survived by his nieces Linda Totty and Patty Baugh and their families. We loved John very much and will miss him.