Bobby Sparks, 69

Walters, OK

A Memorial Graveside Service will be held at the Walters Cemetery on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.

Bobby Lee Sparks was born to Harold Edwin “Skipper” and Peggy Louise (Davis) Sparks on September 14, 1955, in Duncan, OK, and departed this life in Lawton, OK, on February 9, 2025, at the age of 69 years, 4 months, and 16 days.

From 1956–1968, Bobby grew up in South Louisiana. The family later moved to Temple, OK, where he graduated from THS in 1974. He joined the Oklahoma National Guard in June 1974, serving honorably through June 1979 and achieving the rank of Sergeant.

On January 19, 1976, he married Dorothy Sue Brown, gaining four stepdaughters. Together, they had one son, Bobby Leon Sparks.

Bobby worked in the oilfield around Walters, Temple, and Empire. He operated heavy equipment during the construction of Waurika Lake and the Goodyear plant. In 1981, he and Sue ran the Tiger’s Den in Temple. They built a new home in Lions Cove in Walters, and Bobby was employed at Certainteed until 1991. He later became shop foreman for Washex, building manifolds for washing machines until 1997, and then worked with his son for Cajun Contractors as a pipe fitter. From 1998 to 2002, he worked for Bar-S, and then as a heavy equipment mechanic at Fort Sill. From 2006 to 2007, he and his son went to Iraq as contractors, working on Humvees.

He later returned to Duncan, working with heavy equipment until an accident led to his medical retirement in 2011. He and his son also operated a guide service, Sparks Noodling, which gained national attention. In 2012, they appeared on River Monsters, ESPN Timeless, and Discover Oklahoma, which was voted the #1 episode of the year. In 2013, they were featured on two episodes of Okies and Aliens.

Bobby was a member of Brown Baptist Church south of Walters. After Sue’s passing, he married Lila Nadine (Smith) McIntyre on October 28, 2018, and they made their home in Walters.

He loved hunting gators in his youth, enjoyed a lifetime of fishing, and shared his skills in noodling and pole fishing with many. He treasured time raising hogs with his grandkids, letting Baylor rummage through his cabinets, and making mashed potatoes for Bethany whenever she asked. He also enjoyed dancing.

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Skipper and Peggy Sparks; his wife, Sue Sparks; his brother, Curtis Sparks; and his sister, Gayle Ann Sparks.

Survivors include his wife, Lila Sparks of the home; his son, Bobby Leon Sparks and Brandy of Walters; four stepdaughters, Tammy Collins and Annette Hargrove of Walters, Robin Studer and Shawn Studer of Wichita Falls, TX; a brother, Ocie Sparks of Rush Springs; two sisters, Judy Lowrie of Portland, OR, and Barbara Johnson and Clayton of Lawton; brother-in-law, Willie Smith of Medicine Park; three grandchildren, Matthew Collins of Wichita Falls, Bethany Sparks and Edgar Stevenson of Walters, Baylor Sparks and Lizzie Coleman of Temple; four great-grandchildren, Andy Oxford Reed, Parker Stevenson, Harper Stevenson, and Cadence Bird; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.