Gerald Lloyd Sparrow

Devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Gerald Lloyd Sparrow was reunited with his sweetheart on August 9, 2024, at the age of 87. Gerald was born on November 17, 1936, in Smithfield, UT to H. Lloyd and Gayl Seamons Sparrow. He was the oldest of 10 children. Gerald was raised in Smithfield UT until he was in the 8th grade when the family moved to Preston, ID. When he was 6 years old, he contracted Polio which caused him health problems later in life.

Gerald loved baseball, fishing, hunting camping, cycling, but most of all time with his family. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in 4 bishoprics, ward clerk, executive secretary, and various other church positions.

On September 22, 1955 he married Kathryn Thayle Nielsen. To this union was born 4 children, Kenneth Lynn, Rodney Alan, Bradley Scott, and Jeraldine Kay. They later divorced.

In January 1968, he met his sweetheart, Shirley Ann Briggs Stanley at a young singles adult dance. Shirley knew right away he was to be her husband. They only danced half a dance that night. Their courtship was only 4 short months. He knew he needed her as much as she needed him. They were married on May 24th, 1968 in Logan, UT. Gerald was ecstatic to add another son to his family. John Kenneth Stanley was excited to have a man he could call his dad. Gerald and Shirley were later blessed with 3 more children, Shellie Ann, Sandra Gayl, and Jeremy Lloyd.

Gerald worked a variety of jobs in his younger years always working hard to support his family. In 1969, he took a job in Pocatello working for FMC where he was employed for 32 years, retiring in August 2001. He was a proud member of the Machinists Union #1933. After retiring, he took a couple of part time jobs working for Western Air Express and Hirning Car Dealership picking up and delivering cars.

Later in life, he took up cycling and would ride every chance he got. This led him to become active in the Southeastern Idaho Senior Games where he participated in a variety of cycling races, winning many different medals. Due to being hit by a car on one of his rides and the decline of his sweetheart’s health, Gerald eventually gave up cycling. He was a very devoted husband to Shirley and cared for her at home until the time of her death. During retirement, he also enjoyed going to sporting events with his kids, especially when he was watching one of his grandkids play.

Gerald passed away at home surrounded by his family which he dearly loved. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. 

The family would like to thank Enhabit Home Health Care and Hospice, especially his amazing nurse Megan for the compassionate care he was given during this difficult time.

He is survived by his children, Ken (Tammy) Sparrow, Rod (Susan) Sparrow, Brad (Kathy) Sparrow, Jeraldine Sparrow, Ken (Linda) Stanley, Shellie Hoffman, Sandy Sparrow, and Jeremy (Laurie) Sparrow, and siblings Myrna Ruffell, Nola Bair, Roger Sparrow, Gary Sparrow, Dale Sparrow, and Steven Sparrow, 26 grand children, and 40.5 great grandchildren.

He is proceeded in death by his parents H. Lloyd and Gayl Sparrow, 2 brothers, Dennis and Val Sparrow, and a sister, Coral Cahoon, a son-in-law, Michael Hoffman, and 3 granddaughters, Shantay and Darcee Sparrow, and Brandy Lynn Possin.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 from 6-8pm at Wilk’s Funeral Home on 211 W. Chubbuck Rd. There will also be a visitation from 9:30-10:45 prior to the services.

Funeral services will be held at the Cedar 4th Ward LDS Chapel, 550 West Cedar at 11am on Wednesday, August 14, 2024. Burial will follow services at Restlawn Memorial Gardens where he will be laid to rest next to his eternal sweetheart, Shirley.

We love you dad, and you will be greatly missed.

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