Paul James Stark, Sr., drew a final peaceful breath Friday, August 5, 2011 about 8:40 PM at Big Sky Care Center in Helena, MT. Paul was born on March 7, 1924 in Edgar, Montana the son of Frederick William and Rose Margaret Pokarney Stark. He attended schools in Fromberg and graduated from Fromberg High School in 1942.
Following graduation, Paul served in the Army air corps in World War II. He served in Germany spending his career in anti-aircraft and infantry attaining the rank of Staff Sargent. During the war, Paul earned 3 bronze stars and was in the Battle of the Bulge. Upon return to Montana, Paul attended Eastern Montana College in Billings for 2 years. After college, he pitched for various semi-pro baseball teams, one of which was the Billings Mustangs. Paul made it to the All-State Team of Montana two years in a row and was scouted by the Chicago Cubs. He was also an avid hunter, fisherman and golfer.
On June 16, 1956, Paul married Eleanor “Ellie” Helen Dorn in Worland, Wyoming. Ellie went to be with her Savior May 10, 2008.
Paul is survived by his sons, Paul (Marie) Stark and Michael Stark; grandchildren Marty (Jen) Burckhard, Nicholas (fiancée Tiffany Rowan) Burckhard, Jasmine Stark, Jarred Stark, and Jacob Stark; and 5 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Fredricka “Freddie” (Ron) Wike of Marysville, Washington and many nieces and nephews.
The family held a private funeral ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Rocky Mountain Hospice, 1075 N Rodney Suite 102, Helena, MT or the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, PO Box 5715, Helena, MT 59604. To offer a condolence or share a memory of Paul, please visit: www.retzfuneralhome.com.
Randy McNamara says
I only new Paul for a few years but between seeing him raceing around in his chair to going fishing and having spagetti at his house I am going to miss him, rest in peace buddy
Glyn and Belva Verzatt says
We have known Paul since the early 1970s,I found that Paul was a teacher. He taught me not to expect to go home from an evening fishing trip until about midnite as that is when the fish bite. He taught me that if you deer hunt and walk up a steep hill you need to take a full box of shells along. He taught me that you do not need a short gun to hunt grouse, a couple of baseball size rocks would work just as well. (for him anyway) He taught me that he could fall asleep while driving or eating, no preference. His love hate realtion ship with golf taught me that I did not want to play the game. He was a good friend and we spent many days in the field hunting and fishing. He will be missed.