William R. "Bob" Stark

Bob Stark, 77, Topeka, Kansas and St. Petersburg, Florida, died Saturday, February 22, 2020. Bob was born in the summer of 1942 in Horton, Kansas. Because of his humble beginnings, Bob felt education was most important and after graduation from Powhattan High School he earned three degrees from Columbian College and a master’s degree from St. Paul School of Theology, Kansas City, Missouri. He was a Chaplain at Topeka State Hospital and served churches at Osage City, Circleville, Powhattan and Stull. Bob was active in Boy Scouts for many years and was a life-member of the National Eagle Scout Association, Philmont Staff Association and served as a staff member on a Woodbadge training course. Bob was a past regional camp inspector and member of the Mic-O-Say Honor Camping Society. Bob served our country in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. Bob was a Vietnam veteran. He was a proud member of the Maine Troop Greeters and made several trips to Bangor, Maine to welcome home troops returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. Bob was a life-member of the Disabled American Veterans, Kansas American Legion and the VFW Post #4256 Maderia Beach, Florida. Bob was a past member of the Shawnee County Club and current member of the St. Petersburg County Club, St. Petersburg, Florida. He was a member of Masonic Orders including Egypt Shrine, Tampa, Florida. He was past president of the Topeka Cosmopolitan Club and was honored as Member of the Year. Bob was a Paul Harris Fellow in Rotary International and served as a judge for many years on the Shawnee County Election Board. Along with his family, Bob owned and managed the Hickory Point Real Estate Investment Company. He was an entrepreneur and a quiet philanthropist. Bob was the kind of person who was not embarrassed to express a minority opinion, nor was he afraid to ruffle feathers. He was undaunted at finding himself in a minority position. Bob was devoted to those whom he loved and who loved him. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; and business associate, Tony Cook, who through the years became the son that Bob never had. A Memorial Service for Bob, with military honors, will be at 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 3, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka, Kansas 66614. Inurnment will be in Stull Cemetery, Lecompton, Kansas. Bob said, in lieu of flowers or memorials in his memory, please tell your family how much you love them and share a hug with them. A charity that was dear to Bob’s heart is the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Donations may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

William R. "Bob" Stark

August 10, 1942 - February 22, 2020