John William Stark

John William Stark, 91, of Hilltop Street, Morganton, NC died Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at Grace Hospital. Born in Brooklyn, NY on January 10, 1918, he was the son of the late Frank O. Stark and Johanna Eliassen Stark. John was a veteran of WWII serving in U.S. Army 11th Airborne Divison where he saw action in the Philippines. He achieved the rank of Master Sergeant. John was a past member of the Morganton Lion’s Club and Morganton Civitan Club. He was also a former Scout Master. He had worked at Morganton Hosiery and retired from Dan River. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. John also enjoyed flying with his son Jeff.John is survived by his wife, Margaret Phillips Stark of the home; a son, Jeff Stark and wife, Alison of Morganton; a brother, Rolf Stark of Bellport, NY; and several nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by brothers, Frank, Nils, Fred, and Ernest Stark, and sisters, Rita Reichert and Dorothy Martois.A Celebration of John’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 1, 2010 at First United Methodist Church with Reverends Dr. Sydnor Thompson, III and Todd McCullough officiating. Entombment will follow in the First United Methodist Church Columbarium. Military honors will be provided by Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall following the entombment service. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 N. King St., Morganton, NC 28655 or to a charity of one’s choice. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.