Bill Sparks

Billy ?Bill? Earl Sparks was born on January 16, 1934, and passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2008 at the age of 74. Bill was born, raised and educated in and around Konawa, Oklahoma. He married Willetta Faye Allen of Seminole on June 9, 1955, and had 53 wonderful years of marriage. They raised three children, William Earl Sparks of Tulsa, Gaye Catcher of Ft. Gibson, and Robert Sparks of Tahlequah. He had two daughters-in-law and five grandchildren. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Art and Martha Sparks.rnrnBill began his working career for Montgomery Ward in Shawnee, Oklahoma, and worked his way up the retail ladder to store manager before leaving to complete his college degree at East Central University in Industrial Sciences. Bill began teaching at Varnum Public Schools while he obtained an Associates Degree in Police Science from St. Gregory in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Thereafter, he embarked on his life long career in law enforcement beginning in Seminole where he obtained the position of Assistant Chief of Police. In 1973, Bill left the Police Department and went to work for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. While working for the O.S.B.I., Bill attended and graduated from the FBI Investigative School at Quantico, Virginia, obtained a polygraph operators license, and was trained at other premier law enforcement facilities around the United States bringing that experience back to assist local law enforcement agencies in Oklahoma. From that time on, Bill never left Southeastern Oklahoma. Bill began his career with the O.S.B.I. as a resident agent in Seminole, Oklahoma, and in 1973 was the case agent in charge of the riot at McAlester Penitentiary. While working for the O.S.B.I., Bill obtained the rank of the Bureau?s first Deputy Inspector and later was promoted to Inspector over the Regional office at Antlers, Oklahoma. During this time, Bill obtained his Masters Degree from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. After a long and distinguished career with the O.S.B.I., Bill retired in 1990 due to health concerns. Since that time he and Willetta lived in Fort Gibson until the time of his death.rnrnAt Bill?s request, graveside services will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery in Seminole, Oklahoma, at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home. Chris Stinnett will officate. rnrn Funeral Information: November 18, 2008, 11:00 AM