Richard G. Stark

Richard G. Stark, a resident of Heber Springs, Ark., passed away at his home on February 24, 2011, after a four-year battle with stomach cancer. Richard, born in Heber Springs on June 13, 1934, was the son of Margaret (Baker) and Merrell G. Stark. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Lucy (Bittle) and Dee Stark, Jesse (Green) and Thomas B. Baker, all of Heber Springs, and his brother, Thomas D. Stark. He is survived by his wife of forty years, Robbie J., his children, Deborah Ann (Gary) Weeks of Springdale, Ark, Richard G. Stark, Jr. (Christine) of Livermore, Calif., and Julia Helen (Brent) Ledbetter of Springdale, Ark, and one step-son James Lynn of Tyrone, Okla. He is also survived by his sister Merrellyn Stark of Heber Springs and nephew, Sean James and niece, Joanne King and nephew, Tom Stark of Sulphur, La. Other survivors include 11 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, and many beloved cousins, nephews, nieces, aunts, his church family and friends, and the mother of his children, Ethel Sima. Richard was a businessman who had businesses in Pauls Valley, Okla., Ft. Collins, Colo., and Heber Springs. He was a member of the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was active in numerous civic organizations which include the Junior Chamber of Commerce, local Chambers of Commerce, Rotary, Eden Song Choir, the Constitution Party of Arkansas, and the Gideons. He was a board member of Cherished Heartbeats. He enjoyed volunteering at the Cleburne County Historical Society, and especially enjoyed delivering meals to patrons of Meals on Wheels. He graduated from Heber Springs High School where he was an All-District football player, Senior Class President, and a member of the student council. Richard was a founding member of Covenant Presbyterian Church (Associate Reformed Pres- byterian) where he was Elder Emeritus. He was also on the Board of Commissioners at White River Regional Housing Authority and served on the Board of Directors at White River Regional Housing Authority for many years. The family would like to thank Hospice, the "girls" quilting club, Rose Edwards, Brad Sneed, their pastor T. J. Gentry, Dr. Nair, and Dr. Jan Sharp for their kind attention during his illness. Appreciation is also expressed for the many cards and prayers and for those who provided food for the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials may be sent to the Cleburne County Historical Society, 210 N. Broadway, Heber Springs and Meals on Wheels. Viewing will be held at Olmstead Funeral Home on Saturday from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Olmstead Chapel with T.J. Gentry presiding. Burial will be at Heber Springs Cemetery. www.olmstead.cc.