Cover photo for Doug Sparks's Obituary
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Doug Sparks

d. February 11, 2019

Doug Sparks

Franklin Douglas Sparks, 87, longtime Cleveland area resident passed from this life on February 11, 2019, at his home.
Doug was born on February 24, 1931, in Rural Pawnee County. Doug was the son of James Thomas and Mamie (Jones) Sparks. Doug was raised and received his education in the Jennings area. Following the completion of his school, Doug helped his parents provide for their family. On April 25, 1952, Doug entered into the service of his country in the United States Air Force. His initial training was at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. His training consisted of Control Tower Operator and Air Traffic Control Operator. In 1951, Doug met Jean Thigpen. The two were later united in marriage on August 3, 1952, in Biloxi, Mississippi. Doug was then stationed overseas for a 15-month tour. On December 3, 1955, Doug was promoted to Staff Sergeant. On April 24, 1956, he was honorably discharged from the United State Air Force at Sampson Air Force Base in Geneva, New York. During his time in the military Staff Sergeant Doug Sparks obtained the following decorations and citations: National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal as well as the Good Conduct Medal.
Doug's military and work career moved them across the country. While Doug was stationed in Utah, Greg was born in 1953. He then transferred to New York and was discharged in 1956. They moved back to Oklahoma and Mick was born in Tulsa in 1956. Doug and Jean then moved to Oklahoma City where he attended and graduated from the FAA Air Traffic Control school. His first job for the FAA was in Brownsville, TX and Terry was born in 1959. He was then transferred to Little Rock, AR, where Barry was born in 1961 and Flint in 1963. Doug got an opportunity to transfer back to Oklahoma to work at R.J. Jones Riverside Airport in Jenks in 1968. They lived in Mannford initially while Doug built their home in Terlton. Brian was born in Tulsa in 1974. Doug worked as an air traffic controller for four years in the Air Force and 24 years with the FAA, retiring on March 7, 1981. While working as an air traffic controller, Doug dabbled in ranching, real estate, and the oil field. Following retirement, he turned his hobby into a full-time job. Doug grew his cattle operation, real estate acquisitions and oil field ventures. In the early ’90s, Doug began Sooner Tool Company which he and Flint operated until 2007. Doug’s greatest passion may have been attending auctions, knowing there would be something there that would be needed in the future.
Traveling was one thing Doug was not fond of doing unless it revolved around going to auctions. Doug was very instrumental in the construction of the Terlton First Baptist Church. Doug has served his community in many capacities. One was as a Cleveland School Board Member in the 1970s. He has been a pillar of the city for many years with many regularly looking to Doug for guidance on different occasions. Doug had numerous business ventures with many of them very successful. With everything that Doug purchased from individuals or auctions, he knew precisely where everything was placed when it was needed. Doug was a very humble man with few words most of the time. There were very few days that he was not working or contemplating on what to do next. Doug has been a long time and faithful member of the Terlton First Baptist Church, and since 2000 at the Jennings First Baptist Church.
Survivors are his wife of over 66 years Jean of the home; five sons, Greg Sparks and Judy Robinson, Terry and Sheryl Sparks, Barry and Lori Sparks, Flint and Jennifer Sparks and Brian and Allyson Sparks; brother Joe Sparks of Cleveland, Oklahoma; sister Joan and Jerry Brady of Jennings, Oklahoma; nineteen grandchildren, thirty-six great grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Doug was preceded in death by his son Mickey D. Sparks, six brothers Lester Sparks, Clarence Sparks, Clyde Sparks, Glen Sparks, Ken Sparks and Dale Sparks and a sister Minnie B. Vantrees. Special recognition to Lisa Ramsay family friend and caretaker.
Services will be held at 10:30 am, Friday, February 15, 2019, at the First Baptist Church in Cleveland. Officiating will be Rev. Dale Gowdy and Rev. Mark Compton. Burial will be held privately in the Woodland Cemetery with Chapman-Black Funeral Home handling the arrangements. Friends and family may visit an online guest book and memorial page for Doug at www.chapman-black.com.

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Past Services

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Thursday, February 14, 2019

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Friday, February 15, 2019

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