Jerry Barnett Stark

Dr. Jerry Barnett Stark, age 77, of Carl Junction, Mo., completed his life's journey and entered the Father's presence on July 1, 2012. He was born in Heber Springs, Arkansas, on June 23, 1935 to Wayne and Thelma (Barnett) Stark, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by an infant sister, Betty Jane Stark. On December 21, 1958, he married the love of his life, Jean (Sanders) Stark, who survives him, and together they had three daughters. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Central Arkansas, his Masters Degree from Pittsburg State University and his Doctorate Degree from The University of Arkansas. He was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Carl Junction having served as a Sunday school teacher, Deacon and on many committees over the years. Jerry thoroughly enjoyed his long and successful career as a school administrator. He was especially proud to have served as the Superintendent of Carl Junction Schools from 1972-1996 and felt very blessed to have worked with such dedicated and talented faculty and staff members. Throughout the years, he was honored with many accolades and awards of recognition but none touched him as deeply as the naming of the school auditorium as the Dr. Jerry B. Stark Performing Arts Center. He enjoyed the relationships he formed with fellow educators while serving on many committees and participating in professional organizations. Jerry was a very generous and spiritual man of deep love and emotion. He cared for all and loved God first and his family second. His desire would be for all to come to know his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and experience the joy of His saving grace. He is survived by Jean, his wife of 53 years; his children, Gina Burger and husband Scott of Carthage, Missouri, Titia Grimsley and husband Clint of Carthage, Missouri, and DeAnn Floyd and husband Ken of Springfield, Missouri. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Kel Burger and wife Amanda, Katie Define and husband Chris, Jessica, Alison, and Morgan Grimsley and Molly and Mason Floyd. Also surviving him are his brothers A.W. Stark and wife Flora of Cabot, Arkansas, Jim Stark and wife Carolyn of Trimble, Tennessee, their families, and numerous other extended family members, as well as very special life-long friends Joe and Ollie Patterson of Ozark, Missouri. Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 5, 2012, at First Baptist Church of Carl Junction at 11 a.m. The family visitation will immediately follow the service. Interment will be at the family plot in Heber Springs, Arkansas, 1 p.m. on Friday, July 6, 2012. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the Missouri Baptist Children's Home.