Lelan Tearle Sparks' Obituary
Lelan Tearle Sparks was born August 27, 1928 in Ladoga, Iowa where he was raised on a farm. He was the son of the late Carl Kenneth Sparks and Florence Eva Sparks. He was the husband of the late Rae B. Sparks. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Willie and Liz, his daughter and son-in-law Carla and Ken, his brother
Jerry and sister Linda. He was “grampa” to Kenny, Aubrey, Monica, Bryan, Bethany and Samantha and great grampa to Lelan, Keilani, Logan, Alessandro and Kalena.
He loved animals especially his dog Bruno who he is also survived by. Kua and Hanu were special dogs to him too. If you see fit, please make a contribution to the San Francisco SPCA or your local shelter in Lelan’s honor.
Lelan was very proud to join the army and served during the Korean War. He had a profound love for airplanes which started at a very young age and it led to a lifelong passion for flying.
Lelan loved to travel and visited many countries like Russia, Australia, Costa Rica, Philippines,Greece and many more. He was an avid reader. One of his favorite quotes was “I cannot live without books” by Thomas Jefferson. Lelan was known to many as “MR. FIX It” because he was
able to repair just about anything.
Lelan will be sorely missed by many including his wife’s family, his family in Iowa and his local friends at Stern Grove Park in San Francisco.
In observance of pandemic regulations, space for viewing is limited. To keep everyone safe, we are asking that those who want to come pay their respects to please sign up for 1 of the 2 available time slots on Sunday March 7. Text 415-652-9539 with your name, # of people in your party, and whether
you would like the 10am - 11am slot or the 11am - 12pm slot on Sunday March 7. Otherwise everyone is welcome to social distance themselves at the burial at 1pm. Arrangements have been entrusted to Skylawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park, Hwy 92 at Skyline Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94402
To ensure the health and safety of our community, we are following all guidelines set by local, state and CDC officials. If you are planning on attending a service, please contact the funeral home in advance, so that we can plan accordingly.
What’s your fondest memory of Lelan?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lelan?
Share a story where Lelan's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lelan you’ll never forget.
How did Lelan make you smile?
