John L. Stark, age 70, beloved husband and brother passed away peacefully on September 28, 2024 from respiratory failure and sepsis at TidalHealth in Salisbury with his wife by his side.
Born on December 7, 1953, he was a son of the late Leroy J. Stark and Alice M. Stark. He was preceded in death by siblings Shirley Tyndall, Leroy Stark, and Tom Stark. He is survived by his wife Linda J. Stark and sisters Elizabeth Pusey of Newark, MD, Frances (Jimmy) Hurley of Pocomoke City, and Marti (Gene) Mears of Felton, DE and numerous nieces and nephews.
After high school, John began his career at Tyndall's, now Atlantic Tractor. John was a generous, loving, and caring individual who put his own dreams on hold to care for his mother and father. When he and Linda married in 1994, John was able to resume his studies, first at Wor-Wic and later at Wilmington University, to earn a degree in accounting. He then joined the Wicomico Sheriff's Office as the Chief Finance Specialist, retiring in 2015.
John and Linda were active members of Ayres UMC in Pittsville where he served as treasurer for 10 years. In 2012, John discerned he was being called to ministry and was fortunate to have wonderful mentors - Rev. Paul Sherwood, Rev. Tom Blakelock, and Rev. Carol Price. In 2013, he was appointed as a licensed pastor at Union UMC (Salisbury) where he served five and a half years. In 2018, after a second retirement, he and Linda joined St. John's UMC in Fruitland where he was a lay speaker and co-lay leader at the time of his passing.
John will be remembered for his easy-going personality and deep faith in his Lord and Savior.
Interment will be private.
Donations in John's memory may be made to St. John's UMC, P. O. Box 236, Fruitland, MD 21826.
Arrangements are in care of Holloway Funeral Home, P.A. 501 Snow Hill Road, Salisbury, MD 21804. Please visit www.hollowayfh.com to express condolences and share fond memories with the family.