Ricky Ken Sparkman

Ricky Ken Sparkman, age 55, passed away at his home on Saturday, December 1, 2012, after a courageous one-year battle with cancer. Rick was born in Ennis on May 20, 1957 to Peggy and Eldon Sparkman. He grew up in Bristol and graduated from Palmer High School in 1975. At the age of fourteen, Rick started working for Nickerson Farms as a busboy, sparking his passion for restaurants. He became a successful restaurateur and franchise owner of Pizza Patron and El Chico. Rick married Monica Zabojnik on January 17, 1981 and was blessed with 31 years of marriage that they shared with their children and grandchildren. His passion and zeal for life overflowed into everything he did and every person he touched. An unprecedented work ethic and devotion to employees and family created a generational role model for all. He enjoyed running, flying, and working on his cattle ranch. His love for music was deep, and he took strength and direction from the songs he loved, even during the final weeks of his battle. Rick is survived by parents Eldon and Peggy Sparkman; wife Monica Sparkman; son Chad Sparkman and wife Emily; daughter Ashley Sparkman; son Daniel Sparkman; sister Cindy Riley; brother Tim Sparkman; grandson Colton Sparkman; granddaughter Havyn Sparkman; granddaughter Harper Reese Sparkman; grandson Brady Sparkman; five sister-in-laws; four brother-in-laws and many nieces and nephews. Visitation was held on Monday, December 3, 2012 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. with Rosary at 7 p.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary Chapel of Ennis. Mass of the Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at 10 a.m. in the St. John Catholic Church of Ennis with Interment followed in St. Joseph Cemetery under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc. www.jekeevermortuary.com

Posted by publisher on Dec 5 2012. Filed under Obituaries. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.