Dr. Charley W. Sparks

Dr. Charley Wade Sparks, 92, of Lake Charles, LA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 29, 2018 in a local care facility.

Dr. Sparks was born September 18, 1926 in Santa Anna, TX and was raised in Bangs, TX, where he graduated from Bangs High School in 1941.  He served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean Conflict where he was awarded the Commendation Ribbon for Meritorious Service.  He received his Bachelor of Science from Sul Ross State College in 1953 and his Master’s of Education in 1955.  He later went on to receive his Doctor of Philosophy in 1971 from Texas A & M University.  Prior to receiving his Ph,D in 1968 he and his wife Adrienna moved to Lake Charles where they lived for the past fifty years.  Dr. Sparks worked for McNeese State University from 1968 until his retirement in 2002.  During his time at McNeese in addition to his responsibilities as a Professor in Health and Human Performance he served for a time as Secretary Treasurer of the Southland Conference.  He was also the Director of Teacher Education Admission and Field Experience from August 1999 until his retirement.  

He was a member of First United Methodist Church.  Dr. Sparks was also a Mason for the past sixty years.  He loved to garden and during his younger years was an avid sportsman.  While he and his wife never had children of their own he was very family oriented and loved spending time with his niece and nephews.

Dr. Sparks is survived by his sister, Martha Jo Bredemeyer of Lancaster, TX; niece, Debra Ann Goodman of Bloomington, IN; and nephews, Charles Miller of Bryan, TX, Tam Bredemeyer of Red Oak, TX and Robert Miller of Vega, TX.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Adreinna Sparks; and sisters, Frances Ann Bruns and Carol Jean Miller.

His cremation was entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home.  A memorial service will be held at a later date at First United Methodist Church.