THE REVEREND WILLIAM MCDERMOTT STARK JR. The Reverend William McDermott Stark Jr. was born in St. Louis, Mo., on March 17, 1936, and died August 24, 2016, at home in Santa Fe, NM, with his daughters at his side. He died after a swift decline from metastatic cancer. He is survived by daughters Margaret of Coronado, CA; Catherine of Kansas City, MO; sons-in-law, Duke and Brian; grandsons, Patrick, Liam, Taylor, and Spencer; as well as sister, Jenny Womble of New Port Richey, Fla. A Presbyterian pastor, Bill served multi-racial congregations in Detroit, MI; Indianapolis, IN; Kansas City, MO; New York City, NY and concluded his career in Baltimore, MD. Bill was a graduate of Northwestern University, McCormick Seminary, and later received his doctorate from Louisville Theological Seminary. Active in civil rights, peace, and social justice advocacy throughout his life, Bill was one of the ministers who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the 1963 March on Washington and he served as a bus captain for those who traveled from the Midwest to the tense 1965 Selma to Montgomery march. His specialty in ministry was bringing diverse people together in vibrant congregations focused on social justice. In his retirement he was an active volunteer with Veterans for Peace, PFLAG of Santa Fe, and at his church Westminster Presbyterian. But his most treasured role was that of caregiver for his wife, Joyce Cushman Stark, who passed away in August 2015 of dementia. They were married for more than 50 years. Memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 841 West Manhattan Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to his beloved congregation Covenant Presbyterian Church, 5931 Swope Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64130.

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Published by Kansas City Star on Aug. 28, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for William Stark

Sponsored by Kansas City Star.

16 Entries

Judy Walthall

September 8, 2016

Selfishly speaking,I wish we could have kept Bill on earth with us, but it is comforting to know that he is at peace in heaven with his beloved. I miss them both so much.
Because of Joyce & Bill my appreciation of church life was renewed. Our family participated as active members of Covenant for ten years. We learned so much during that time from the teachings & from the Starks' example of walking the talk. I am forever grateful for the confidence in living in peaceful respect for the goodness to be found in all the peoples of the world that I developed there.
Bill's main theme was reconciliation & his teachings will remain with me forever.

September 3, 2016

I met Bill only twice - at a caregiver's group. He was very kind - and inspiring - with his positive attitude and humor, after having been a caregiver so long [13 years at that time]. In the caregiver's group, he is held up as a shining example of how to do things. I'm very sorry for the family's loss. He was a great guy. Dottie Fitch

Marg & her Dad Bill at Patrick's HS Graduation party, June 2015

Ada Linda

September 3, 2016

We will miss this wonderful man, pastor, husband, father, grandfather, and all around great guy!!
Rest in peace.
Ada and Linda

Jo Baskerville

September 3, 2016

Such a warm loving person. Truly a pastor to the people. My prayers to the family.
Family of Trudy and Franklin Niday

Rev. Thommie Leggett-Robinson

August 30, 2016

It is with mixed emotions that I receive the news of Bill's transition. Those who remain on earth will truly miss is beautiful smile and his efforts to find ways to change and/or reconcile those persons who struggled for peace and and the promise of a decent life. On the other hand, like Paul, recognizing that being absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, I know he is in His presence and at peace. Margaret, Cathy and Jenny, please know that our prayers for comfort during this time of mourning have been lifted on behalf of you and your families. Your father, brother, grandfather and friend has a special place in the hearts and memories of the Nosiri family. Shalom.

Cicely enyard

August 29, 2016

This was my pastor growing up...what an amazing man!! My parents got married in Oklahoma, only 2 years after interracial marriage was made legal. They moved here, to kansas city, and joined Reverend Stark's church because it was a place where they were loved and accepted as a couple and a place where they knew i (and eventually my little sister) would also be embraced before being "mixed" was an ok thing to be. Reverend Stark created a place where your race, your socio economic status and your sexuality were non-factors and where the love of God always prevailed. When some pastors would have been perfectly happy riding out their career in one comfortable spot, Rev. Stark took his gift for uniting people and giving those who may have otherwise been outcasts in the church, wherever his gift was needed. I remember him with warm memories - he was funny, humble, kind, warm, brilliant and courageous. I hope he knows how many lives he touched and how he instilled in so many people the love of god. In his memory, I hope that I am helping create the world he envisioned as his legacy.Rest in love and peace, Reverend Stark.--Cicely (Powell) Enyard

STEVEN HARRIS

August 29, 2016

Bill and Joyce Stark will be missed by many people. Are prayers are with the family.
Steve, Carmen and Mary Harris

Helen Spalding

August 29, 2016

Bill created the most meaningful church home at Covenant that we have experienced. He baptised our daughter. He and Joyce are missed.

Sherry Calvert Ashburn

August 29, 2016

I never envisioned Bill dying. He moved so fast I always thought he'd outrun it. It's hard to think of the world without him. Every life he touched was a gift.

My heart goes out to his precious daughters and their families. Thanks for sharing him with us.

Bill and I worked together at Covenant for 11 years He touched my life in so many ways.

Martin Bruns

August 29, 2016

So sad to see this. Bill was my mother's "other son" as we are of the same age; our minister while dad struggled with cancer and later as mom struggled with losing dad. Bill was, and is, a big part of our family's memories from his adding great quality of life for mom and dad. God bless you Bill, may you rest in peace. Maybe you and mom can link in heaven. That is a wonderful thought for me.

August 29, 2016

It is with overwhelming sadness that I feel at the loss of my friend Dr. Bill Starks. Bill was a Prince of a man,filled with joy, Happiness and a great smile,that made all who knew him feel special and uplifted. For here is a man of God with impeccable credentials to lead so many houses of worship to such heights, that our maker smiled approvingly on his work. I feel that I speak for so many who were privileged to have known how much he loved and cared for his community in Kansas City. Regrettably there will never be a giant like Bill, possessing the charisma and leadership skills with such
grace, humility and dignity.Be at peace my friend. We can never forget you
Louis and Minh Manuel

August 29, 2016

It's the end of an era and what an era it has been. Thanks for the memories, Bill. You had an impact on my life in so many ways-convinced me I could be a "Christian Educator", helped Mike and Mark earn "God and Country" awards, were there for Christi at significant times in her life, etc. Too many memories to mention. I miss you and your e-mails already!!TWILA

Michael Adee

August 28, 2016

Bill brought light to the church and the world through his faith and his commitment to justice, equality and peace.

Michael Adee

August 28, 2016

I give thanks to God for the life and ministry of Rev. Bill Stark. I am so grateful that Joyce and Bill retired to Santa Fe. They made a profound difference here in the church, PFLAG and within the community. My thoughts and prayers are with Bill's beloved daughters and their families. Bill inspired all of us to join him in working for justice, equality and peace. Dr. Michael J. Adee, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Kirk Perucca

August 28, 2016

Bill was a wonderful friend and minister to the Covenant congregation and community. His impact will be remembered for years. We are grateful he was a part of our lives!
Rest in peace friend.
Cindy and Kirk Perucca

You created a circle of love

Dr. Karmen Smith

August 28, 2016

Thank you for your great contribution of Love to the planet.Family, community, congregations and society all benefited from your vibration of loving care.
Thank you.

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