John Sparks

Sparks, John DeWitt 73, passed away on November 2, 2010. John was born in Culver City, California and grew up in Gardena, California. He was active in DeMolay Intl, later becoming Executive Officer of DeMolay in Arizona. John was very active in the Masonic fraternity, member of Gardena Masonic Lodge and Past Master of Acacia Lodge in Avondale. He was Past Venerable Master of Scottish Rite in Phoenix and was awarded the highest honor, the 33rd degree. He was a member of El Zaribah Shrine and was very active in the Order of the Amaranth being Royal Patron twice. He was also a member of Peoria Chapter OES, and True Kindred Conclave #1. John’s love for the youth and sports found him as a manager of Little League and Pony League baseball teams and head coach of several Pop Warner football teams. He began umpiring Little League in 1957 and officiating Pop Warner games in 1958. He continued his officiating with the AIA High School Association for 43 years. To earn a living he was a project manager in new home construction for 35 years. John is survived by his wife, Robin, of 52 years, children Linda and Jon, and grandchildren Lane, Walter, Robert, and Lauren. Services will be held Saturday, November 20 at 1:00 p.m. at the Sun City Masonic Fellowship Hall, 18801 N. 107th Avenue in Sun City. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Amaranth Diabetes Foundation, the Scottish Rite Children’s Learning Center, or the Shrine Children’s Hospital Transportation Fund.