Donald Ray Sparks

Donald Ray Sparks, affectionately known as "Doc," passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026, in Twin Falls, Idaho. Born on July 28, 1946, in Twin Falls, Donald lived a remarkable life marked by dedication, skill, and an unwavering commitment to his family, community, and faith.

Doc was a proud graduate of Castleford High School, Class of 1964, and further honed his expertise at Cloverdale Community College in Tacoma, Washington, where he attended trade school. His career was distinguished and varied; he began working farm jobs during high school with Henry Sefton before pursuing employment at Tacoma Paper Mill from 1968 to 1974. Subsequently, he dedicated nearly three decades of his life to K.T. Steel Corporation, serving from February 18, 1974, until his retirement in May 2003. His exceptional ability to troubleshoot and engineer practical solutions was widely recognized—Doc had a unique talent for creating hands-on solutions, whether through welding, fabricating tools, or designing systems that resolved complex problems.

Doc’s character was as genuine as it was warm. Known for his good-natured use of euphemisms like “shoot” and “hogwash,” he brought a sense of humor and approachability to every interaction. His involvement extended beyond his profession; he was actively engaged with the Boy Scouts of America, the National Rifle Association, and the Mud Creek Water Users Association. A lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Doc was steadfast in his faith and showed deep support for the Special Olympics and youth programs through his church and scouting activities.

Doc enjoyed a number of hobbies which paints a vivid picture of a man who delighted in hands-on creativity and the natural world. He enjoyed welding, woodworking, and woodburning, alongside collecting and polishing rocks, rock hounding, gardening, inventing, engineering, blacksmithing, fishing, fly-tying, and camping. These pursuits reflected his inventive spirit and connection to the outdoors.

Doc proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from October 11, 1965, to October 12, 1968, exemplifying service and dedication in a time of need.

One of Doc’s proudest moments was marrying Mildred “Jeanette” Sparks on September 11, 1965, at the Church of Christ in Buhl, Idaho. Years later, they were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple with their children for time and all eternity. Together, they built a life filled with love and strong family bonds and successfully parented three children Doug, David, and Celia.

He is survived by his beloved spouse, Mildred “Jeanette” Sparks; his sons, Douglas Ray Sparks and his wife Suzanne, and David Sparks and his wife Ranae; honorary child Ruben Castillo and his wife Pilar; his brothers, Larry and Billy Sparks; as well as Pauline Allred, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. These family members will carry forward his legacy with affection and respect.

Doc was preceded in death by his parents, Alvie Lester Sparks and Mabel Helen Rosencrantz Peterson; his brother, Robert Bruce Sparks; his daughter, Celia Ann Sparks (Hall); granddaughter, Cheyenne Rae Sparks; and his in-laws, Estle William Edmons, Mary Wynona Owen (Edmons), along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

There will be a public viewing Tuesday March 24, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Farmer Funeral Chapel with services to honor Doc’s life being held on March 25, 2026, beginning with a Funeral Service at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints on Fair Street in Buhl, Idaho. Following the service, a Graveside Service will take place at Snake River Canyon National Cemetery at 12:00 p.m.

Donald Ray Sparks’ life leaves an enduring impression of a man whose hands shaped tangible solutions, whose heart nurtured those around him, and whose spirit will forever resonate with all who knew him. His memory will remain treasured and his legacy esteemed by family, friends, and community alike.

Memorial donations may be made to Special Olympics or Hope Lodge.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Doc’s memorial webpage at www.farmerfuneralchapel.com.