Robert Douglas Sparks
Missing since November 19, 1972 from McAllen, Hidalgo County, Texas
Classification: Endangered Missing
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Vital Statistics
Date Of Birth: January 20 or 22, 1927
Age at Time of Disappearance: 46 years old
Height and Weight at Time of Disappearance: 5' 10"; 168 lbs.
Distinguishing Characteristics: White Male. Brown, short, hair; brown eyes.
Marks, Scars: Large scar on right leg.
Clothing: Slacks/short shirt; tan sweater
AKA: Bob
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Circumstances of Disappearance
Sparks was last seen in McAllen, Texas on November 19, 1972.
He was a retired Air Force Officer and private pilot at the time of his disappearance.
On November 19, 1972, Sparks departed McAllen, Texas in a 1970 Piper Cherokee 235, ID # N8529N - Wine and white with gold trim. He had been hired by a man named Lonnie Shaw to fly him around the lower Rio Grande Valley. Shaw was carrying two small pieces of luggage and a camera with him. The plane was rented from Upper Valley Aviation in McAllen. Sparks had an appointment to give flight instructions set for 3:30 P.M., the day he disappeared. It is believed he would have cancelled the class if he was able.
At 1:50 pm that day, Sparks cancelled his flight plan with the FAA and advised he was en route to Tampico, Mexico. Radio communication halted. Sparks had no papers to enter Mexico and would not have mentioned he was flying to Tampico unless he was under duress. Pilot again reiterated message about 8 minutes later and has not been heard from since. The plane had fuel for a 500 mile flight.
Bob Sparks or Lonnie Shaw was never heard from again.
The pictures in this file is from flyers that were dropped in Mexico.
The case remains “open” but no one is working on it.
Lon D. Shaw
Vital Statistics
Date Of Birth: circa 1934
Age at Time of Disappearance: 38 years old
Height and Weight at Time of Disappearance: 6' 1", 160 lbs.
Distinguishing Characteristics: Gray or graying hair; slim build.
AKA: Lonnie
Medical: He had been in and out of several mental institutions.
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1970 Piper Cherokee 235, ID # N8529N
Wine and white with gold trim
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Investigators
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
FBI - San Antonio Field Office
210-225-6741
Agency Case Number: 7-772