SPARKS, III, John Milton

The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona Wednesday, November 12, 2014 Dr. John Milton Sparks III, renowned equine veterinarian, rode off to Heaven Nov. 9, 2014. Dr. Sparks was born in Phoenix on June 4, 1935. As a child he lived at the Mule Shoe Ranch in Hillside, then a farm in Phoenix. There he joined the local 4-H club, earning the National Field Crops Champion along with raising both beef and champion dairy cattle. Dr. Sparks was inspired to become a veterinarian while in 4-H. Dr. Sparks graduated from Arizona State University, majoring in livestock production while also receiving a commission in the US Air Force. He attended Colorado State University, earning a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Sparks served in the USAF as a veterinarian, caring for animals used in the US Space Program. Dr. Sparks moved to Wickenburg, AZ establishing the original Bar S Animal Clinic to service the Dude Ranch Capital of the World. With equine medicine being his passion, he helped develop the BudKirk Nature Plate horse shoe. He was very active in Wickenburg’s 4-H Club, Rotary Club, planning and zoning, along with the Wickenburg Community Hospital’s Board of Directors. He loved the Desert Caballeros Trail Ride while living in Wickenburg. In 1975 he sold Bar S Animal Clinic, moving to New Jersey, specializing in horse racing medicine. Returning to Arizona, he specialized in Arabian show horses. With his wife Karen, they showed champion Arabians horses winning several National titles. Dr. Sparks has joined his grandparents John and Alice Sparks, DL and Nellie Bouse and mother Nellie Burger. He is survived by his loving wife Karen Sparks; sons John Sparks IV (Julie) of Chandler, and Jim Sparks (Judy) of Congress; three grandchildren, John Milton V, Jake and Jessie Sparks; two great-grandchildren Ryker and Paisley Sparks; brother Dr. Richard Sparks (Susan) of Laguna Beach, Calif; nephews, Richard Sparks and David Sparks; nieces, Daryl Prietto and Laurel Sparks and five grand nephews and nieces. Dr. John Sparks will be greatly missed by his family, friends, personal and professional acquaintances. Viewing to be held at Pinnacle Peak Mortuary 8555 East Pinnacle Peak Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85255. Public viewing Friday, Nov. 14th, 5 - 8 p.m., with services on Saturday, Nov. 15th, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please submit a donation to the Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund, 236 Henry Sanford Rd, Bridgewater, CT 06752.
Posted by Sharla on November 12, 2014

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