Asa “Dean” Sparks

Asa “Dean” Sparks passed peacefully at home on December 24, 2025 surrounded by his family.

Dean was most well-known for his 30+ years as the Operator of Chick-fil-A stores, including Fort Smith’s Central Mall and Rogers Ave locations. He prioritized the community that he loved in all of his business dealings, leading him to start popular events like Super Hero Day and Princess Day.

After his retirement in 2022, he achieved his life-long dream of publishing his first novel, My Name Is Cain, and his first children’s book, The Cleaning Fairy, is set to publish posthumously. He loved to write, he loved his dogs, and he loved bringing people together over a delicious meal. He drew much joy from a noisy house full of children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Asa Howard Sparks, and stepfather, Calvin (Buddy) Parkhurst. He is survived by his mother, Dorothy Parkhurst Story of Fort Smith, and sisters Libbie Lide (Gary) of Tennessee and Lori Gibson (Michael) of Utah; his wife Teri Sparks; four daughters Sela, Aleska, Hannah, and Mykaela Sparks; two stepchildren Evan and Laura Mino (Andrew); and grandchildren Ian, Oliver, Elizabeth, Amelia, and Elliott.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Dean’s honor may be made to Fort Smith First Church of the Nazarene.

Celebration of Life will be held at Fort Smith First Church of the Nazarene on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m..

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Asa “Dean” Sparks, please visit our floral store.