Richard "Dick" S. Stark

Richard Spires Stark, 89, of Gainesville, TX, peacefully passed away at home on April 13, 2018. He was born October 26, 1928, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Lucy and H.W. Stark. At First Christian Church in Gainesville on Wednesday, April 25, 2018, visitation will be held from 12:30-2 p.m. with a memorial service immediately following.

Dick grew up in Gainesville where he graduated from Gainesville High School, enlisting in the U.S. Army at the age of 17. He served in Korea, where he rose to the rank of staff sergeant. Following his military career, he studied law at Baylor University and Cumberland University in Tennessee. Licensed by the Texas Bar Association in 1951, Dick began his law career in private practice in Gainesville, and served shortly therafter in the 53rd Texas Legislature. He had a long and dedicated law career. One of Dick’s proudest achievements was trying a case before the Supreme Court of the United States in 1974. Dick was a faithful member of First Christian Church all of his life. He served on many boards of civic and charitable organizations and was a 50- year Mason.

In December of 1951, Dick married Jane McCrary of Waverly, TN. To their marriage, four children were born. In 1993, he married Margaret Jo King, the light of his life, adding three step-sons and their families to his.

Dick is survived by son and wife, Dave and Leslie Stark; daughters, Holly Stark and wife, Carol Roane; Lucy Sutton and husband, Steven; stepsons, Bill King and wife, Latresa; Karl King and wife, Floy; grandchildren Lauren Denison (Chris), Carly McKamie (Kyle), Hayley Loftice (Sean), Abbey LaSalle, Grice King (Nikki), and Derrick King (Sybil), 14 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Dick was preceded in death by Margaret Jo Stark, Jane Stark; son, Tom Stark; grandson, Michael Stark; siblings, Lucile, Betty, and Walter; and stepson, Keith King.

In lieu of flowers, the family sincerely requests memorials be made to First Christian Church of Gainesville, Home Hospice of Cooke and Grayson Counties, or the charity of your choice.