Acencion “John, Chon, Sparky” Esparza

Acencion (John, Chon, Sparky) Esparza beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend went peacefully to be with the Lord on April 24, 2021. Acencion was born on Dec. 17, 1943 in Gonzales, TX and spent his school years in Gonzales (Class of 1962 GHS) before being drafted and serving honorably in the United States Military as a medic in Alaska. He moved to Fort Worth, TX and had a family and a 40-plus year career in military avionics manufacturing. Acencion had a degree of Applied Science in Management.

Acencion loved cooking especially barbecuing. He entered several BBQ contests and was happy winning awards for the best smoked chicken. He also helped cater several golf tournaments and parties for his coworkers and was happy to share his barbecue with his friends.

Our father had a passion for plants. He loved tending to his garden and had a talent for rehabbing plants. He was proud of the banana plants he kept that came from a banana plant given to him by his father and his numerous types of chile plants.

When Acencion retired his goal was to move back to Gonzales, TX.  He enjoyed his retirement. He became a local at his two favorite restaurants (Mr. Taco and Matamoros). He used to help cook at the local church Jamaicas. He enjoyed watching the Dallas Cowboys, University of Texas, and Texas Christian University football. His Monday nights were reserved for wrestling and his favorite show was “The Rookie.”

Acencion loved his family, football, food, and plants. He is loved by his family and many others who had the chance to know him. Everyone who knew our father knows he loved to laugh and have a cold one. Everyone who knew our father has a funny story to tell.

We love you Dad!

Acencion is survived by his three sons and one daughter, their families, nine grandchildren and several brothers and sisters. Sisters, Natalie Eureste and Maria and Guadalupe Esparza and Chela Olmos; Brothers, Fernando, Armando and Casey Esparza, many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Casimiro and Conception Esparza; brothers, Joe, Jesse, Ruben, Angel, Ray and Thomas Esparza; and sisters, Candelaria Olmos and Rosalinda Esparza.