Sam Sparger, 82, of De Leon, passed from this life April 26, 2025, at his home. He was born January 18, 1943, in Grapevine, Texas to Cletis and Sarah English Sparger. Sam married his loving wife, Elizabeth (Liz) Peikert, June 1, 1962. They enjoyed a loving marriage of fifty-nine years until her passing in 2021.

Sam was raised in Grapevine and graduated from Grapevine High School in 1961. He served as the Mayor of Southlake, Texas for three years. He and Liz moved to De Leon in 1984 and made this area their home. They were faithful members of De Leon First Baptist Church for over forty years. Sam served as a longtime Deacon and Sunday school teacher. He and Liz dearly loved their church and church family. He faithfully shared Christ through the Gideon Auxiliary for many decades and supported all of the church youth activities.

Sam raised his first gilt at just nine years old and that love of breeding pigs stayed strong for over sixty-five years. He bred, raised, and sold registered Durocs and later other breeds as the industry changed. His love of livestock and farm production became a family adventure which grew Sparger Farms into what it is today. In 2012, the Sparger family was honored to receive the Texas Heritage Pig Production Award by the Texas Pork Producers Association and many other recognitions throughout the years. Sam loved spending his time outdoors farming and raising his animals. He would find any excuse to get outside to tend to his cattle. His family was his greatest joy in life, and he loved supporting his grandkids in all their activities. Sam also loved a competitive game of 42 and the fellowship they provided him.

Sam served on the Farmers and Merchants Bank Board for many years as well as the Texas Pork Producers Association and National Pork Producers Council. Above all else, Sam's faithfulness in service to the Lord has been his life's work. His love of family, his farming business, and his dedication to his community all reflect his love of Christ and love of others. He was a loyal and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, friend, and servant of God. He will be missed beyond measure by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his son, Danny Sparger and wife, Debbi; daughters, Cathy Morganstean, Teresa Morganstean and husband, Chris, Cindy Burkett and husband, Steve; sister, Martha Peikert; ten grandchildren: Amanda Hicks, Jesse Morganstean, Russell Morganstean, Travis Morganstean Harris, Nicole Polk, Derek Sparger, Dustin Sparger, Jayde Burkett, Baylor Burkett, and Landon Burkett, as well as twenty-two great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. Sam has been reunited with his loving wife, Liz; his parents, Cletis and Sarah Sparger; brother, Glenn Sparger; sister, Virginia Warren; and two sons-in-law.

Funeral services celebrating Sam's life were held Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at De Leon First Baptist Church with Brother Daniel Harper officiating. Graveside committal followed in De Leon Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Jesse Morganstean, Russell Morganstean, Travis Morganstean Harris, Derek Sparger, Dustin Sparger, and Baylor Burkett.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to De Leon First Baptist Church (125 South Houston Street, De Leon) or to The Gideons International (PO Box 742, Comanche, Texas), in memory of Sam.