Silas Sparks

Silas Francis Sparks (Jr.), 85, of Bartlesville, Okla., passed away peacefully at his home Sept. 14, 2006.

Silas (Si) was born Jan. 1, 1921, in Allen, Okla., to Silas F. and Bertha Ella (Reese) Sparks. He graduated from Muskogee High School and entered Draughon's Business College, in Muskogee. After service with the Army in 1942-1946, he was employed with the Phillips Petroleum Co. until his retirement in 1985, with most of his career spent in the marketing department.

He married Suzanne Dancer, daughter of W.J. and Marion Reeve Dancer, of Dewey, Okla., in 1947, and they made their home in Bartlesville, Denver and Sterling, Colo., returning to Bartlesville in 1962.

A World War II veteran, Silas served at the Headquarters of the Mediterranean-European Theater of War. In 1945, in Caserta, Italy, he was awarded the Legion of Merit for outstanding services in England, North Africa and Italy.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Suzanne Dancer Sparks, of Bartlesville; daughters Shelly Kay Sparks, of Bartlesville, Terry Suzanne Robinson, of Butte, and Holly Elizabeth Sparks, of Woodland Park, Colo.; granddaughter Charissa Lewis Cassia, of Tucson, Ariz.; sister Berthella Van Wye, of Edmond, Okla.; niece Katy Van Wye, of Edmond, Okla.; and nephew Henry Van Wye and family, of Richardson, Texas.

Silas was a long time member of the Church of Christ. Services were held Sept. 19, 2006, in the sanctuary of the Adams Boulevard Church of Christ, with Art Henley officiating.

Military honors were provided by the James H. Teel American Legion Post No. 105 honor guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Hope Harbor Children's Home and Academy, P.O. Box 1047, Claremore OK 74018.