The Idaho State Journal 09-05-2000

DINGLE, Idaho - William Dean Sparks, 73, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and friend, returned home to Heavenly Father Saturday evening, Sept. 2, 2000, following a valiant battle with cancer.

He was born Aug. 14, 1927, in Dingle, Idaho, the oldest son of William Grantley and Dora Deen Humburg Sparks. He attended Montpelier HIgh School and worked on the family farm. During his early adult life he worked at the Covey Ranch in Cokeville, Wyoming. He loved the outdoors and was an experienced horseman.

Dean married his only sweetheart, Thella King, Dec. 15, 1950. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Logan LDS Temple on June 4, 1956, for time and all eternity. Together they became the parents of two sons and four daughters. He owned and operated the Sparks Black Angus Ranch. He was a member of the American Angus Association. He raised and sold registered bulls and heifers. The blood lines of his cattle are well known throughout Idaho, Utah, Wyoming and Montana.

He worked for the Quayle Ranch at Dingle for several years, then worked for the Bear Lake County Road and Bridge Department until his retirement.

During his life he served in numerous church positions, including ward clerk for nine years. He also served a temple mission, which he loved, with his wife. He was very faithful all of his life to the teachings of Jesus Christ as he came to know them. He was a very kind, gentle and loving man. He taught others by his good example and kind ways. He was always there to help out whatever and whenever needed. He encouraged others to be slow to anger and quick to forgive. He was a great living example of the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Dean is survived by his beloved sweetheart, Thella, of 50 years; one son, Bob (Mickie) Sparks of Nounan, Idaho; four daughters, LaDeen (Wayne) Wrights of North Ogden, Utah; Carol (Harold) Sparks of Dingle; Doreen (Samuel) Gordon of Sacramento, Calif.; Ann (Zachary) Grigsby of Burley, Idaho; his mother, Dora Deen Sparks of Montpelier, Idaho; 20 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father; one brother, Robert Don; a son, James Bert; and one grandson, Billy Dean Sparks.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Sept. 6, at 1 p.m in the Dingle LDS Chapel. Burial will be in the Dingle Cemetery.