Skip to main content

Sparks, LaVorn, 1914-2003

 Person

Biographical History

LaVorn Sparks (1914-2003) was a man active in business ventures, community, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is also the husband to famous author, Beatrice Sparks.

LaVorn was born to Jim and Lillian Nesmith Sparks on September 29, 1914 in Eden, Texas. As an adult he moved to Los Angeles for career opportunities, where he met and married Beatrice. They later moved to Provo, Utah to raise their family. LaVorn chaired on many committees including Chairman of Utah County Republican Party, Red Cross, BYU, National Parks Council among others. He was also active and held several callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a bishop three times and served a mission with his wife in the Family to Family Book of Mormon Project. LaVorn died on April 11, 2003 due to congestive heart failure.

Citation:
Deseret News, via WWW, October 9, 2015 (LaVorn Spraks; b. 9/29/14; d. 4/11/03; Parents are Jim and Lillian Nesmith Sparks; married in LA on 3/1/36; owned several businesses; involved in community and church; chaired on many committees and examples; served a mission in the Family to Family Book of Mormon Program; worked in the MTC; served as a bishop)

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

LaVorn and Beatrice Sparks mission papers, approximately 1986-1990

 Series
Identifier: MSS 2224 Series 4
Scope and Contents Materials include papers from the Sparks' time as missionaries working in the Family-to-Family Book of Mormon program. In addition to their missionary work they purchased Books of Mormon and distributed them with their testimonies pasted in the cover to many international missions. There are responses regarding their Book of Mormon donations from recipients, missionaries, and mission presidents. The responses are both personal and adminstrative in nature. Dates range approximately...
Dates: Other: approximately 1986-1990
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections / MSS 2224, Beatrice Sparks papers

Staff Interface | Send Feedback or Report a Problem

More information about Special Collections including Hours, Services, Events, and Exhibits can be found at lib.byu.edu/special-collections.

The BYU Library aims to create descriptions of collections that are inclusive and support an “environment of belonging.” If you encounter language in finding aids, catalog records, or collection descriptions that you find offensive or believe to be harmful, we invite your feedback at librarydescription@byu.edu.