Alan Raiford Sparger Jr., age 83, of Comfort, formerly of the D'Hanis area, passed away Thursday, Aug. 16, 2007, in Fredericksburg. He was born Aug. 30, 1924, in San Antonio, the only son of Alan Raiford and Emilia (Schuehle) Sparger, who precede him in death. He graduated from Jeffer-son High School and attended Texas A&M University prior to enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps. While serving as a Marine, he met Wilma "Billie" Dougherty, who was stationed at the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi. They were married Aug. 16, 1946, at Beacon Hill Presbyterian Church in San Antonio. Alan and his father owned and operated Alan Sparger Laundry and Dry Cleaning in San Antonio for many years. After retirement, Alan and Billie moved to their ranch in south Medina County where they raised longhorn cattle and were advocates of land and wildlife conservation. In 1997, they moved to Comfort to be closer to their son. He is survived by his wife of 61 years; son, Alan Raiford Sparger III and wife Teresa of Comfort; daughter, Susan Lumpkin and husband Larry of Austin, and daughter, Marilyn Moczygemba of San Antonio; seven grandchildren, Stephanie Amaya and husband Damon, Russell Moczygemba and wife Kellie Ann, Wesley Moczygemba, Valerie Moczygemba , Allison Sparger, Ashley Sparger and Will Sparger; and seven great-grandsons, Cole, Jake and Dillon Amaya and Zachary, Mason, Brady and Garrett Moczygemba. Funeral service was at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 20, at Gaddis Memorial United Methodist Church in Comfort with Rev. Lynn Lockett officiating. Pallbearers were Damon Amaya, Tim Burow, Danny Davidson, Russell Moczy-gemba, Wesley Moczygemba and Will Sparger. Honorary pallbearers were Frank Carlisle, Fred Collins, Jim Glover, Dr. Matthew Hoermann, Gregory Krauter, and Jerry Short. Interment was at Sunset Memorial Park, San Antonio. The family suggests memorials may be made to the Gaddis Memorial UMC Permanent Endowment Fund, 141 Hwy. 87 North, Comfort TX 78013; or to the charity of one's choice.