Thursday, October 1, 2026
John “Bud” Howard Sparks, Jr., 80, beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother of Granbury, passed away at his Granbury home on Tuesday evening, Oct. 28, 2025.
Visitation will be held from 2:30 until 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the Wiley Funeral Home, 400 Highway 377 East in Granbury. Funeral services celebrating Bud’s life will be held at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home. A Committal Service will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, at the DFW National Cemetery in Dallas with Military Honors.
Bud was born July 30, 1945, in Dallas, to the late John Howard Sr., and Sadie Sparks.
Bud proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. On Dec. 15, 1990, he married Wanda Sue Hutson. Bud worked for Solar Turbines for 46 years. He was known for his mechanical aptitude and love for antique cars. Bud restored and owned a 1958 Corvette and a 1934 Chevy. He was a member of the Granbury Car Club and Lone Star Steer Rod Association. He loved attending car shows – the 100s of trophies in his shop attest to that.
Additionally, Bud enjoyed water sports activities, including fishing and water skiing. Bud spent over 25 years as a scout master and was instrumental in the development of many young men in the community. He also was an amateur bull rider and enjoyed country western dancing. Most of all, Bud will be remembered for his humor and for the love he had for his family.
Bud is survived by his wife, Wanda, of nearly 35 years; his children, Andrea Sparks-Wadlington, Jason Sparks, and Michael and wife Courtney Sparks; grandchildren, Jordan, Brady, Adalyn, Willa, Palmer, and River; and by his sisters, Jackie Settles and Barbara Klinker.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents.
