Gene

Olon Eugene “Gene” Sparger, 88, of Dallas went to be with the Lord on Saturday November 19, 2022. Gene was born on December 20, 1933, in Albany, Texas to Samuel Olon and Emma Gladys (Pearcy) Sparger.

Gene grew up in the oil & gas industry. It eventually led his family to Lea County and Hobbs, New Mexico where Gene attended school, while enjoying basketball, football, working, and mischievousness.

He met and married the mother of his children Doris Moss. Their children, Steve and Tanya were born in Hobbs. Gene continued to work in the oil and gas industry which led the family to Oklahoma for a few years and eventually back to West Texas. Many stories have been told about the children’s love for horses, sporting events, and ski boat outings. Tragically, their son Steve was a victim of the Denver City 1975 H2S Tragedy at the age of 19. Gene, Doris & Tanya moved to Cloudcroft NM where they owned the local grocery store. Tanya’s classmates have shared touching memories of Gene with whom they developed a dear friendship. After his marriage with Doris ended, Gene lived in Mexico briefly, Oklahoma briefly, and returned to Cloudcroft where he met Charlotte Newton while she was attending an art camp.

In 1980 Gene married Charlotte and he made a permanent move to the Dallas, TX area. He gained stepchildren Joe and Christine. Gene once again returned to his grocery store experience working for QTrip for a few years. He later took on a new career as a tile setter working for Poole Tile Company. Just recently a homeowner shared how much they enjoyed Gene and the work they did on their home. Charlotte died in 1994 but Gene stayed in the Dallas area. He was a great support to Joe and Christine as they began their families. He supported the grandkids in their activities. He could be found at Rossy’s Ferguson Café where he developed a fatherly relationship with Rossy Lauderdale. He also made friends through the VFW Post while enjoying dancing and fellowship. He was faithful to his workouts and attended Gold’s Gym three times a week.

His final years were spent with his long-time companion Betty Lawrence and their beloved dog Teddy in Garland and Frisco TX. Gene was a gentle sweet man and could often be found lapping his neighborhood park on his daily walks, watering the plants, or enjoying the outside. Gene enjoyed walking, dancing, billiards, photography, cigars, enchiladas, chips and hot sauce, chocolate pie, ice cream and too many sweets to list.

Preceding Gene in his death are his parents Samuel Olon and Emma Gladys Pearcy Sparger, his children Steve Eugene Sparger and Tanya Evans, his wife Charlotte Newton Sparger, his sister Nellove Hegwood, his brother Hugh Sparger, and his beloved dog Teddy.

Gene is survived by stepson Joe Newton and wife Laurie of Garland, TX; stepdaughter Christine Newton Corley and husband Bryan of Forney; granddaughter Angeca Sparger of Tularosa, NM; granddaughter Brandy Evans Montgomery of Abilene, TX; granddaughter Reesa Moore and husband Beau of Midland, TX; grandson Bo Corley and wife Lynsey; granddaughter Hunter Toop and husband Marcus; grandson Joshua Corley and wife Caitlin; granddaughter Madison Newton and fiancé Cole Gentry; ten great grandchildren Jayden Evans, Connor Moore, Tatum Williams, Mason Moore, Khloe Montgomery, Legend Montgomery, Addison Corley, Dawson Cariker, Brixton Corley, and Evelyn Corley; long-time companion and friend, Betty Lawrence of Richardson, TX; beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Gene will be remembered by family and friends at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 26, 2023, at the Ratliff Funeral Home Chapel, Denver City, TX. Interment will follow at the Denver City Memorial Park, Denver City, TX.