Memorial  service for Jeffery "Pops" Sparks will be held at 3p.m. on Saturday, the 9th of May, 2026, at Locust Grove Baptist Church south of Elgin, with Brother Gary Neighbors, pastor of Locust Grove Baptist Church, officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home.

Jeffery Sparks — known to nearly everyone simply as "Pops" — was born on June 3, 1964 in Cleburne, Texas, to Horace Gerald Sparks and Clara Madaleine Stephens. He passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the age of 61.

Jeff graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1982 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps immediately after graduation. Following his service, he returned home to the Lawton–Fort Sill area, where he trained as a hairdresser and built a career that spanned more than forty years. Cutting hair was his trade, but people were his real calling. Behind the chair, Jeff built lasting friendships, offering conversation, laughter, and a listening ear to everyone who sat down in front of him.

Jeff met Lisa Sparks when he was nineteen and she was seventeen. They married in 1989 and shared more than a decade of their lives together, welcoming their son, Zachary, along the way. Though their marriage eventually ended, the bond they built did not — they remained family to one another for the rest of Jeff's life.

Jeff came to faith in Christ as a young boy and was baptized at his home church in Texas. In recent years, he found a spiritual home at Locust Grove Baptist Church south of Elgin, where he cherished the fellowship of family and friends.

He was happiest outside. An avid fisherman, Jeff spent countless hours casting on local lakes and farm ponds alongside his closest friends. He loved to travel — especially on camping and nature trips — and he took every chance to pass that love along to his grandchildren, teaching them to notice the world around them and find joy in simple things. But if you asked Jeff what mattered most, he'd tell you it wasn't the fishing or the traveling. It was a meal shared with the people he loved. Quality time with family was the heartbeat of his life.

Jeff is survived by his son, Zachary Sparks, his daughter in law, Alexis Sparks; his three grandchildren, Kamdon Thomas, Zane Sparks, and Amelia Sparks; his siblings, Ed Sparks, Paul McGowan, and Dee Tanksley; as well as Lisa Sparks and her son, Zachary's half brother, Landyn Perez. He was preceded in death by his parents, Horace Gerald Sparks and Mathilde Sparks.

Jeff was truly irreplaceable. He leaves behind a family and community that will carry his warmth, faith, love for the simple moments long after he is gone. A big thanks to Kim Brock and Memorial Hospice for their care and compassion. Also a special thanks to Susie Wong for being there for our family through this difficult time.  In lieu of flowers please send a donation to Locust Grove Baptist Church of Elgin.