George Sparks, 83, of Palacios, passed away Saturday, August 20, 2005 in Houston, TX. He was born September 26, 1921 in Waco, TX to Ernest C. and Jennie West Sparks. He attended high school in Blanco, TX and graduated from A&M University with a BA and Masters degrees in Agriculture Education. He taught Agriculture for ten years before becoming a rice farmer and rancher near Palacios in 1958. During World War II he served in the US Army as a First Lt. in the 54th Armored Infantry, 18th Division. On Nov. 27, 1944 his squad was captured by the Germans during the battle at the Siegfried Line. After five months as a P.O.W., he was liberated by; the American troops in April 29, 1945.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years: Beulah Mae (Gunter) Sparks of Palacios; by his sister: Mary M. Hickman of Midland; his nephew: Jack Hickman of Midland; his nieces: Shirley (Gunter) Kelly of Ganado and Joyce (Gunter) Bannerot of Austin; by his great-niece: Rachel Hickman of Midland; his great-nephews: Travis Rogers of San Diego, CA and Gunter Kelly of Ganado; and by his sister-in-law: Willie M. Simpson of Ganado.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, August 24, 2005 at the First United Methodist Church of Palacios with Rev. Ray Wells officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing, TX. Pallbearers will be Gene Allen, Alton Nelsen, Dean Kubecka, Sonny Johs, Joe Ray Beard and John Toellner. Honorary pallbearers are the Palacios Lions Club and United Methodist Men. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 209 Lucas, Palacios, TX 77465.

Arrangements with Palacios Funeral Home, Palacios, TX (361) 972-2012.