David Lee Sparks

David “Dave” Lee Sparks, 95 years old, of Moses Lake, Wash., graduated from this life Oct. 21, 2023. Dave had been experiencing age-related challenges when he passed away in his home near the “Potholes” in Central Washington.

Born on July 26, 1928, in Rupert, Idaho, to George Sparks and Edith Babbitt Sparks. Dave grew up in the Rupert area with his eight siblings and half-siblings, although there was a significant age difference between some of them.

Dave moved to Moses Lake, Wash., in 1954. Although most know Dave as a farmer and later a land developer, he farmed from an early age. His favorite was growing potatoes and focusing on growing the biggest ones he could with the highest sugar content. He developed a potato harvester and several improvements to what existed at the time and sold his inventions. He was involved in the Braco brand harvesters as well as the development of potato processing plants in the Moses Lake area. Because farm equipment was somewhat scarce in the area, he got involved in the ownership of a John Deere store.

He had seven children with his first wife. Their first two beloved children passed away very young. His descendants include 19 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

In 1985, he was truly blessed to marry the love of his life, Babette Sparks. Babette brought so much joy to Dave’s life that we are convinced she not only had a huge impact on his quality of life but also his longevity. Without her, it is likely he would have passed many years before he ultimately did. She has been a blessing in the lives of Dave’s entire family.

Babette has two children and three grandchildren (included in the grandchildren numbers above). Dave loved her daughters as his own children and their children as his grandchildren.

Dave and Babette loved to spend the winters in a home in Yuma, Ariz., and the rest of the year in the Moses Lake area. They both enjoyed horseshoe pitching, winning state championships and competed nationally. He also enjoyed golfing with his friends. He loved fishing and did so in various places around the world over the years. He even went fishing in Alaska at 91 years old and hauled in a large halibut.

He was able to develop a lot of real estate over the years. However, when this was discussed, he mentioned it as a way to support his family first and foremost. It is certain that he is at peace, knowing that his life efforts will continue to support his loved ones, especially the love of his life.

There will be a viewing at Kayser’s Chapel of Memories (831 S. Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, WA 98837) on Friday, Oct. 27, from 2-4 p.m. Funeral services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (925 N. Grape Drive in Moses Lake) on Saturday at 10 a.m. with a viewing from 9-9:45 a.m. Interment to follow at Pioneer Memorial Gardens (14403 Road 2 NE, Moses Lake). For online service visit https://evt.live/david-dave-sparks-funeral starting at 9:45 a.m.