Marvin Sparks

PANHANDLE Marvin Sparks, 85, of Panhandle, Texas went to be with his Lord on January 5, 2012

Marvin, born Feb. 6, 1926, in Panhandle, Texas to John Simms and Martha Sparks, was raised in Panhandle and graduated Panhandle High School in 1944. He was a 1948 graduate of North Texas State University. He married Dorothy Keech on Aug. 7, 1959 in Amarillo, Texas.

In 1952 Marvin founded VibraWhirl Co. in Panhandle, Texas, a manufacturing and construction company specializing in athletic equipment and sports facilities with partners, Johnny Truelove and Alvis Tabor. They put the company in motion by inventing stainless steel whirlpools to assist with athletic injuries and performance. Later the company branched out into athletic equipment manufacturing and construction of athletic facilities of tracks, tennis courts and synthetic turf. Until his semiretirement in 1991, Marvin was the President and Chairman of the Board of VibraWhirl Co. Then in 2005 he became a partner in VibraWhirl Sports.

His other previous and current business interests included serving as Director and holding part ownership of many entities including The First National Bank of Panhandle, Carson County Feedyard, Crown of Texas Hospice, State National Bank of Groom,

Marvin had a tremendous love for his Lord and Savior so his church and church life became very important to him at an early age. He became a board member and Elder of First Christian Church of Panhandle where he also served as Worship Leader for over 40 years. He loved to lead the music as his wife played the organ.

Panhandle Chamber of Commerce selected Marvin as Citizen of the Year in 1988 to honor him for his active support and generosity in various community projects over a period of 50 years. This award reflected his service as City Council Member as well as serving as City Mayor for 15 years. He served many years as Scout master was a previous president of Panhandle Lions Club and 55 Club. He served as a board member of the Carson County Square House Museum and Garretson Retirement Center. Through all these and many more accomplishments, Marvin became the recipient of the Golden Nail Award.

Marvin loved people and accomplished all these achievements while overcoming the crippling effects of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis that afflicted him from the age of 6 years. It prevented him from playing the sports he loved as a child, but that did not stop the Panhandle native from becoming a major player in the sports world. He never allowed this disease to limit his life with his family or friends. Attending the activities of his daughter and three granddaughters was the joy of his life and he was a dedicated Panhandle sports fan. Marvin always maintained a sense of humor and a desire to help others. He will be remembered as a person who enjoyed life and loved ones.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Dorothy. He is survived by his daughter Sheri Urbanczyk and husband Mark of Panhandle, his brother, John S. Sparks, Jr.Connie and wife Darlene of Wichita Falls, Texas, his sister Nancy Garner of Panhandle, sisterinlaw Lola Collinge of Emporia, Ks and brotherinlaw Elmer Keech of Wichita, KS and three granddaughters, Rachel Urbanzcyk of Waco, Sarah Urbanzcyk of Panhandle, and Rebecca Urbanczyk of Panhandle. Other survivors include his beloved caregiver, Dena Hileman and many nieces, nephews, cousins and many beloved close friends.

Celebration of Life services will be held at 2:00, Saturday the 7th at the First Christian Church in Panhandle. Graveside services will be held in the Panhandle Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. with arrangements by Minton Chatwell Funeral Directors of Panhandle.

Memorials can be made to First Christian Church of Panhandle, or the Carson County Square House Museum.

Service

Celebration of Life

First Christian Church
600 Euclid St.
Panhandle, TX  79068
Saturday, January 7, 2012
2:00 pm

Graveside Service

Panhandle Cemetery
East 6th Street
Panhandle, TX  79068
Saturday, January 7, 2012
11:00 am

Cemetery

Panhandle Cemetery
East 6th. Street
Panhandle, TX  79068

Memorial Contributions

P.O. Box 325
Panhandle, TX  79068


PO Box 276
Panhandle, TX  79068