Jerry Glyn Sparks, 85, of Keller, TX, passed from this earth on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, in Decatur, TX. Jerry was born on April 24, 1939, to James and Tina (Brodie) Sparks in Blossom, TX. He attended high school in Avoca, TX, where he met lifelong friends he kept in touch with throughout their lives. Jerry worked as a bus and truck driver through the majority of his career and later retired as an instructor for truck drivers. He was a beloved husband, son, father, grandfather, and friend to many who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Tina Sparks; his brothers, Charles Sparks and Morris Sparks; his beloved wife, Margaret Ann (Davis) Sparks; and his son, David Sparks. Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Jerrilyn (Jerri) Powell (Sparks) and her husband, Raymond; his son, Richard (Rick) Sparks and his wife Michelle, all of Decatur. His grandchildren, Megan Richardson (Powell) and her husband Adam, Amanda Powell, Becky Hernandez (Sparks) and her husband Jorge, Irene Sparks-Barrera, Caleb Sparks, and Anessa Buchkowski (Sparks) and her husband Drew; and his stepson, James (Jimmy) Walker and Kyra (Walker) McGlothlan and husband Bruce step-grandsons Jeremy and Justin Reed, great-grandchildren, Reese and Jace Richardson; JJ, Julie, and Eli Hernandez; Andrew and Allen Barerra and Alfonso and Rosa Ruiz. Memorial Services A memorial service will be held on February 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM at The Hills Church 6300 NE Loop 820, North Richland Hills, TX Jerry’s life was filled with love, dedication, and hard work. He spent his life loving being on the water catching fish, building and then enjoying a good deck, tending to his yard, and caring for their menagerie of pets from birds to cats and dogs. His legacy will live on through his family and the countless lives he impacted throughout his journey. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to American Diabetes Foundation (Diabetes Research, Education, Advocacy | ADA) Jerry will be deeply missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.​

2025 OGR Professional Service Award Nominations Are Open Until January 31

OGR Professional Service Awards recognizes outstanding achievements in the funeral profession

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (DECEMBER 10, 2024)- The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is proud to share the nomination period for the OGR Professional Service Awards is open from now until January 31, 2025. These awards honor individuals and funeral homes that have displayed exceptional dedication, innovation and commitment to excellence in the profession.

“We are thrilled to honor exceptional individuals and member firms who have raised the bar in the funeral profession,” said Wendy King, CAE, CVA, Executive Director/CEO of the International Order of the Golden Rule. “Each year, award winners showcase their dedication, innovation and commitment to excellence. Past winners have made a significant impact on their respective fields and have set a standard of excellence for others to follow.”

The OGR Professional Service Awards are among the most prestigious accolades in the field, recognizing outstanding contributions and achievements in various categories. A distinguished panel of industry experts carefully review nominations and select the winners based on their demonstrated expertise, exceptional client service and significant impact in the funeral profession.  The winners of the 2025 OGR Professional Service Awards will be announced at the Golden Circle Awards Celebration during OGR’s signature event, PROGRESS, May 6-8, 2025 in Riverside, Calif.

Golden Light Award

The Golden Light Award salutes professional excellence exemplified by an individual member who has inspired others by their commitment to service through OGR involvement, community service or volunteer activities that demonstrate “service measured not by gold, but by the Golden Rule.”

Golden Rule Community Service Award

The Golden Rule Community Service Award singles out a member firm for outstanding service as demonstrated by activities benefiting local organizations and/or the community they serve. 

Golden Rule Exemplary Service Awards

The Exemplary Service Awards recognize Golden Rule firms that have displayed outstanding professionalism and exemplary service to the families they serve. Recipients are selected based on feedback received through OGR’s Family Contact Survey Program.

Applications close January 31, 2025, and are available on the official International Order of the Golden Rule website at www.OGR.org/Awards. Self-nominations are accepted and encouraged by all OGR member firms. A complete list of award winners can also be found at www.OGR.org/Awards.

About the International Order of the Golden Rule

The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is an association of independently owned and operated funeral homes dedicated to ethical service to all. Founded in 1928, it is our mission to make independent funeral homes exceptional. We do this by building and supporting member interaction, information exchange and professional business development through a wide range of programs, services and resources. For more information, visit www.ogr.org.