STARK, Ray Joe - b. October 28, 1912 - d. June 4, 1956

[genealogynut]

Howard Courant-Ciitizen
June 7, 1956

Ray Joe Stark, son of Harvey A. and Lottie Stark, ws born near Fall River, Kansas, October 28, 1912.  He departed this life on June 4, 1956 at the age of 43 years, seven months and six days.

As a young man he grew up on a farm near Severy, where he attended the Severy schools, graduating with the Class of 1932.  On August 2, 1933, he was married to Mary Webster, and to this union was born one daughter, Donna Marlene, now residing at home.  He leaves surviving his wife, Mary, and daughter, Donna, both of the home, his father and mother of Severy, and one brother, Roy A. Stark of Seattle, Washington, and a great number of close friends.

The first year of his married life he farmed near Severy, then moving to Howard in the fall of 1934, where he has continued to make his home.  For a short time he operated a service station and then worked as county foreman on the county highways, and in 1941 became a city employee of the city of Howard, first in the capacity of water superintendent and then as city clerk.  He was a conscientious public servant, always courteous and highly respected by all.

Following his employment as city clerk, he purchased and operated a grocery store in Howard.  He was successful in this business venture, being attentive to his business and considerate of his customers.  He was always mindful of his duties as a citizen and served as president of the Howard Chamber of Commerce and later as city councilman, which position he held at the time of his passing.

He was highly respected by all who knew him, for his honesty, courage, optimism and steadfast friendship.

Ray was a member of the Howard Odd Fellow Lodge No. 134, having served the lodge as Noble Grand, and always interested in the welfare of the lodge.  Ray was concious and mindful of his Creator and confessed his faith in Christ in early manhood and was a member of the Congregational church in Severy.  Later, after moving to Howard he placed his membership in the First Baptist Church in Howard.

Ray was a courageous man, a true friend, and a kind and loving husband and father, and his optimism enlightened all with cheer and hope.

Memorial services for Ray Joe Stark were held at the Moon Chapel in Howard at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 6th, conducted by his pastor, the Rev. Alvin Cassens.  The music was furnished by a quartet composed of Paul Moore, Fred Finley, Jess Barger, and Charles Miller, with Mrs. Elwood Miller accompanist.  The casket bearers were Ralph J. Perkins, Cliff Hitchcock, Leonard Courtright, John West, Adron Hebb, Dallas Roberts.  Concluding services were in Grace Lawn cemetery, Howard.

[Janet Harrington]

I remember people talking about having Stark's grocery store, so apparently Ray Joe Stark was the owner.

[genealogynut]

I remember Stark's Grocery well.  My grandmother used to buy all of her groceries from them.  After Ray died, Mary ran the store herself for many years.  Charles "Cobb" Miller used to be the meat cutter for Stark's grocery, before he opened Cobb's Food Market. Stark's Grocery was located the next door north of where West's Market used to be.

[Wilma]

For the newer people in Howard, Stark's was on the east side of the street, in the first block south of Washington and Cobb's was on the west side almost directly across from Stark's.

[genealogynut]

Thanks for adding that, Wilma.