Robert Raymond Sparks

Sparks, Robert R.
a Socorro, NM businessman, an electrical engineer who worked on numerous projects at White Sands Missile Range including the Apollo and Gemini missions, and who dug trenches in Alaska in anticipation of the invasion from Russia, died on Sunday, July 12, 2015. He was 83. Robert Raymond Sparks, Bob to his friends and family, was born on November 23, 1931 in Yankton, SD, the fifth of 9 children of George Sparks and Elsie Bluazek Sparks. His father was a welder and his mother a cook at the Disable American Veterans (DAV) hall in Yankton. Bob was a Sergeant First Class in the United States Army. He enlisted in 1948 and received an honorable discharge in 1952.
On a frigid winter evening, while attending a going-away party for two friends, Bob met the love of his life, Norma Ann Hochstein, a tall blonde with hazel eyes. He did not know who the beautiful young woman was but was determined to meet her. He walked across the room and offered her a cough drop. They married on August 10, 1953 in Yankton, SD. In 1954, Bob attended Coine Electronic School and graduated with a degree in Electronic Engineering. Upon graduation, Bob was offered and accepted a position with the White Sands Missile Range. He moved to Socorro, NM in February of 1957, joined shortly thereafter by Norma and two small children. Bob retired after 37 years of service.  In 1972, Bob started his mobile communications business, Socorro Mobile Communications. He worked with various first responder agencies throughout southern New Mexico on the installation and repair of their mobile communications equipment. Bob also loved his time volunteering as a DJ on radio station KSRC on the Bob Ray Show on Sunday afternoons for more than 10 years. He was a member of the Ham Radio Club of Socorro for more than 35 years. Bob and Norma were members of the Zia Romers of Albuquerque, an organization dedicated to traveling the state and visiting New Mexico state parks. They made countless new friends during their travels.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents; his siblings: Marcella Sparks, Janice Sparks, George Sparks, Marlene Sparks, Tom Sparks, Helen Sparks Sorenson, Marvin Sorenson, and Bert Sparks. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Norma; their children: Gary L. Sparks (Deborah) of Santa Fe, Marchell M. Pompeo (Paul) of Las Cruces, David R. Sparks (Dianna) of Albuquerque, and Roger A. Sparks (Trang) of Albuquerque; grandchildren: Michael W. Sparks (Felicia), Stacy C. Reber (Matthew), Dustin R. Sparks (Laine), Jason R. Sparks (Jillian), Kimberly M. Butler (Gregory), Brandon Pompeo, Ashley Sparks, Amber Sparks, and Aubriann Sparks; great grandchildren: Thatcher K. Reber, Emendy Butler, Gregory Butler Jr., Arden Sparks, and Adler Sparks; and his siblings, Jim Sparks (Berna) and Bernice Sparks Tuttle (Art).
A viewing will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2015, from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm at  Daniels Family Funeral Services - Socorro Chapel, 309 Garfield St, Socorro.  A viewing will be held at 8:00 am on Friday, July 17, 2015, followed by the Rosary at 8:30 am and the Mass of Resurrection at 9:00 am, all at San Miguel Catholic Church, 403 El Camino Real , Socorro.  Father Andrew Pavlak as Celebrant.  Following the services, military honors will be presented at the Isidro Baca Veterans Park. Interment will occur at a later time.  Pallbearers will be Dustin Sparks, Michael Sparks, Jason Sparks, Brandon Pompeo, Peter Romero and Gregory Butler.  Honorary pallbearers are Stacy C. Reber, Kimberly M. Butler, Ashley V. Sparks, Amber T. Sparks and Aubriann T. Sparks.  In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations in Bob's honor be given to one of the following: Hospice Unit at Socorro General Hospital; Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 24; the Socorro Police Department; the Salvation Army; or the Socorro Storehouse. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com. Bob's care has been entrusted to  
Daniels Family Funeral Services
309 Garfield St
Socorro, NM 87801
575-835-1530