Hayden Darrell Sparks (May 23, 1952 - March 25, 2024) Marlow, OK

Hayden Darrell Sparks, known as Darrell to his family and friends, left this world peacefully on March 25, 2024, at the age of 71.

Services will be held at the Glory Bound Church at 1 p.m. Monday, April 1, 2024, with David Woods and Sam Buzzard officiating. Burial will be under the direction of the Callaway-Smith-Cobb Funeral home in Marlow, Oklahoma and led by Jim Willeford.

Born on May 23, 1952, in Marlow to Hayden Sparks and Mozelle (Newman) Sparks.

Darrell attended the Marlow Public Schools, after high school he went to play baseball for the Chicago Cubs but soon realized he wanted to come home to the love of his life.

Soon after returning home he paved a path for himself as a skilled heavy equipment operator, eventually creating his own business, Sparks Construction. He later had the honor of serving as the Stephens County Commissioner, a job that he took great honor in. His work was more than a job; it was a testament to his intelligent and handy nature, solving problems, and contributing to the growth around him.

Darrell also proudly served his country in the National Guards for eight years. Darrell was a man who cherished the simple moments-spending quality time with his kid and grandkids, enjoying his daily coffee conversations with his buddies, discovering treasures at garage sales, unwinding with a fishing rod in hand, and taking pride in mowing his lawn. Darrell’s passionate and loving sprit touched all who knew him, and he will be greatly missed.

He shared a beautiful life with his wife, Cathy Sparks, and together they raised a loving family. His legacy continues through his son, Jeff Sparks, and daughter-in- law Lesa, along with his loving grandchildren, Christa Park and husband Seth, Jarrett Sparks and wife Austyn, and Kylee Jo Birdwell and husband T.J. The joy of his life was further multiplied by the laughter of his great-grandchildren, Ally, Jett, Jace Sparks and Rylan Park. He is also lovingly remembered by his brother, Ricky Sparks with his wife Selah; Jimmy Sparks with his wife Debbie; his sister Katie Studdard with her husband Bob; and his sister-in-law, Valarie Robertson with her husband Steve and many nieces and nephews.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, Hayden Sparks and Mozelle Newman, and his sister, Tammy Sparks.

Pallbearers will be Jimmy Sparks, Ricky Sparks, Jason Sparks, Harvey Kimbrough, Darin Woolwine, and Leon Snelson.

Honorary Pallbearers will be, Jarrett Sparks, Seth Park, T.J. Birdwell, Loyd Epperson, Trenton Files, Todd Clark, Dee Bowen, Frank Kelly, Todd Churchman, Barbara Pritchard, Paula Lamb, Cindy Kaiser, and all of the Stephens County Courthouse staff and his employees that he worked with while serving as County Commissioner.