Gordon Guy Sparks

Gordon Guy Sparks, father and grandfather, passed away on February 22, 2025, in Astoria, OR at the age of 73. He was born on December 23, 1951, in Astoria, OR to Robert Royal Sparks Jr. & Donna Mae Sparks (Parnell).

Gordon grew up in Astoria. He attended Astoria High School graduating in the class of ‘71. Immediately after high school he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.

In 1972, he married Denise Marie Donovan. Together while being stationed in Washington, Virginia, California, and being deployed to Okinawa, Japan they raised their 3 children: Heidi, Amy & Tim. They later divorced in 1996.

In 1998, he married Janet Keim and gained two stepdaughters, Angie & Katherine. They later divorced in 2014 and remained friends. They all loved him so much.

Gordon proudly retired from the military after 20 years of service in October 1991 with many accolades and certificates. After retirement he and his family returned to Astoria where he worked at Coast Hardware True Value, Gearhart Builders Supply and Home Depot making friends with coworkers along the way and knowing where everything was in each store, eventually fully retiring.

Our dad was the Bingo King! Playing bingo with his kids, grandkids and friends at the Legion was his favorite pastime. He was the cheapest gambler we ever met. He enjoyed Westerns, Nascar - Joey Logano, his Seahawks and Wrestling. His online slot games were an obsession. He’d have us ask his very best friend, Verna Hayden, to get all his points for the games when he was not able to. He had special friends all throughout his life and childhood that loved him so much.

Sadly, Gordon was preceded in death by his father Robert Royal Sparks Jr., stepmother Corinne Sparks (Swain), mother Donna Mae Parnell, stepfather Joseph Henry Parnell, and brothers Rodney and Donald Sparks.

He is survived by his daughters, Heidi (Lloyd) Hougham, Amy (Dane) Gouge & son Tim (Tami) Sparks, and stepdaughters, Angie Keim, Katherine (Tyler) Olson. He was loved by all his grandchildren: Marissa Hougham, Caitlyn Hougham, Bailey Guyette, Caleb Guyette, Alexis Gouge, Denver Gouge, Jade Sparks, Adelyn Sparks, Karlei Sparks, Brielle Sparks, Ryker Sparks, Trinity Simonsen, Trevor Simonsen, Amelia Olson, Emmy Olson, and great grandchildren Braxton Helmersen & Blaise Filyaw.

Gordon is also survived by his sisters Melody (Arthur) Knight, Jill (Dan) Harms and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at the Astoria American Legion at 2 pm. All are welcome! We will be serving Gordon’s favorite… CHEESEBURGERS!