Matthew Shawn Hanks / Sparks
Matt was born on in Kellogg ID on October 15th, 1974. He left this world way to early on November 17th, 2016. Matt lived in Kellogg through the 7th grade when his family decided to move to Montana. He attended Radley School in East Helena before moving to Jefferson City, where Matt went to Boulder High. For his Sr. year he moved back to Helena High where he graduated in 1993.
Matt enjoyed life to the fullest. He spent time as a kid hiking, hunting and fishing with his Dad, David Hanks. Dave was not Matt’s biological father, but Matt viewed him as such for most of his life. Matt learned how to master the art of fishing from Dave and would give anyone a run for their money on a bad day. Matt played Baseball, Basketball and also enjoyed Snow Skiing and of course watching the Seahawks.
After High school Matt moved to Seattle and enjoyed the “city” life. He had season tickets to his favorite team, and enjoyed Mariners and Super Sonics games while there. In 1998 he took a job as an apprentice for an electrician and really enjoyed learning something new. And In 2000 Matt Moved back to Montana to be closer to his son Caleb. He enjoyed going to his baseball games and loved to cheer at them over the years. “You should see his ARM”, he’d say. Matt was very proud of the young man his son had become at the time of his passing, and will look over him and root from above forever.
Over the years Matt worked for Gusto Distributing and for Lehrkinds Coca Cola as a wine salesman. Matt spent time bartending at the Longhorn, and at Howards Pizza, where he would meet new people and have a great time doing so. Matt really enjoyed talking to people, just ask his clients.
Matt is survived by his Son Caleb Jackson (Brenda and Travis), Mother Susan Hodge, and stepdad Bob. His stepdad David Hanks and wife Linda, Matt’s Sister Julie and her children Ivy and Jamie. Later on in life Matt was able to reconnect with his real Dad Leon (Butch) Sparks. Matt took pride in the fact that he had a big enough heart to let the past be, and enjoyed the time he was able to spend with his dad. Matt was compassionate and was a good friend to many, a gentleman to many others, and will truly be missed by all that knew him.
A celebration of Matt’s life will be announced soon as his family requests that you enjoy your holiday season. Matt will be watching the games with all of us.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Joanna H. says
Dave & Linda (and the rest of Matt’s family),
Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. I knew Matt in high school during our senior year & I would hear an occasional update about his life through Linda. He was a memorable person & will be missed.
Laura Fix says
God’s speed Matt…..Rest in Peace. My sincere condolences to all of Matt’s family, he was such a kind person.
Jenna M. says
I am truly sorry over the loss of dear Matt. May the God of all comfort provide your family with the strength you need to get through this difficult time. (2 Corinthians 1:3,4)
Royce Sanchez says
I remember that old redvoltwagon big Matt used to have. And going creek fishing in it. I always had fun fishing with Matt and Dave. God speed Matt and I hope the fish are biting up there.
Julie Hanks says
My brother taught me lots things in life, most of them what not to do. The earliest lesson I remember my brother caught the carpet on fire by playing with matches. My dad never allowed us to have carpet in our bedrooms again. To this day if you go to my father’s house you will only find carpet in his room, living room, and hallways. I saw my brother spend hours at the table until he finished dinner, or was able to hide it under his booster chair. Then there were days after school I hear my dad ask Matt “You got something to tell me, and if you lie it’s going to be a worse punishment.” To, which he usually had a response. Matt got grounded for weeks as a teenager, and dad stuck to it. I was in second grade and Matt was in sixth on this day when he decided to drive us to school. 1976 F150 ford blue and white pickup truck cruising down dirt road until we hit a pot hole. Ditch bound but, luckily it only scared the daylights out of us and not thing wrong with dad’s truck. My brother had a Volkswagen bug that he gave me driving lessons in occasionally. I remember telling him I learned how to stop when I was driving and he replied show me. I slowed to a stop and he said no when I say stop I mean stop. So the next time he told me to stop I did exactly that and sent him flying into the dash so hard his first instinct was anger. Then realizing he asked for it he just laughed and said I think you got that down.
I can’t say I was little miss perfect either I did things I knew would get him in trouble, hiding his retainer in a sock at the bottom of the laundry basket. Not getting up and unlocking the door when he knocked on the window in the to get back inside after sneaking out. I am thankful for these lessons provided at my brother’s expense; don’t play with matches, eat what is for dinner, provided an opportunity for me to see there are consensuses for bad behaviors, lying will only make more problems. Never steal your parent’s vehicles, and learning how to stop a car on a dime.
Jeannine S says
Oh my goodness, I can remember Matt’s smile from when he was a little boy. There the memory sits as if it were yesterday….his smile! Sometimes it would be more like a “devilish” grin. For those who knew Matt when he was a young lad knew that meant to keep an eye on him because the boy was planning or had planned another great adventure…….. You will be in my thoughts and memories as you move through your next great adventure up there. Rest in Peace.
Karyn says
I babysat Mathew when he was little, we loved him very much! Still do! Mathew you are missed so much. RIP nephew. Sorry Butch and Susan for your loss.