Denny Stark

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Mr. Dennison Austin “Denny” Stark, 75, of Joplin, Missouri, departed this life on Sunday, February 14, 2016, at the National Health Care Center in Joplin, Missouri, after a lengthy illness.

Denny entered this life on June 1, 1940, in Ludington, Michigan, one of three children born to the late George A. and Thora E. (Hansen) Stark. He was raised in Fountain, Michigan and was a 1958 graduate of Mason County Central High School in Scottville, Michigan. In 1959 he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving his country faithfully for over twenty-three years, retiring in 1983. On March 3, 1973 in Joplin, Missouri, he was united in marriage to Mary Lynn Bryan and together they have shared the last forty-two years. He and Lynn have made Joplin, Missouri their home since 1995. He enjoyed old westerns and John Wayne, playing chess, traveling and spending countless hours with his grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Gramper”. Denny attended worship services at Joplin Heights Baptist Church.

Denny is survived by his wife, Lynn Stark of the home; three children, Scott Stark and wife, Dani, of Ava, Missouri and Heather Lowe also of Ava, Missouri and Kirsten Bledsoe and husband, Matt, of Mexico, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Marissa, Derek, Aren, Jacob, Payton, River, Colony and Cooper; two siblings, Dan Stark and wife, Liz, of Fountain, Michigan and Sharon Stark of Muskegon, Michigan; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other family and friends.


Funeral services for US Air Force Retiree, Dennison A. Stark are 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 18, 2016, in the Chapel of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri, with Pastor Keith Brumfield officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow in the Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 6-7:00 p.m. in the mortuary chapel. On-line condolences may be sent to the family through our websitewww.thornhilldillon.com. Memorials are being directed to Joplin Heights Baptist Church and contributions may be left at the mortuary. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri.