God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So, He put his arms around you and whispered, "Come with me". With tearful eyes we watched you and saw you pass away, and although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, a precious soul at rest. God broke our hearts to show us that He only takes the best. Author: Frances M. Coelho
Ronald Dee Stark, Sr., (Ronnie) beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to all, passed away peacefully from this life on Sunday, October 18, 2020, at the age of 85, surrounded by his loving wife of over 64 years and family.
Ronald was born on November 4, 1934, in Monroe, Louisiana, to Leta M. Stark & Lindsey D. Stark and attended Neville High School, graduating in 1954. Shortly after graduation, he married the love of his life, Helen J. Bridges, and went on to serve in the Louisiana National Guard for 6 years. Over the next 65 years, he and Helen would go on to have 10 children, four sons, six daughters. They have 31 grandchildren and 42 great grandchildren. Our family comes from a long line of love.
Ronald worked at the Paper Mill in West Monroe, LA and after leaving, worked for the Monroe City School System, until his retirement in the year 1997. Ronnie worked as a security guard at St. Francis Medical Center.
Ronald had many hobbies, including artwork, wood working, furniture upholstery & playing his harmonica at every family reunion, holiday and social gathering. However, his favorite hobby was spending every spare minute with his family.
Ronald is survived by his loving wife, Helen B. Stark of West Monroe, LA; Sister, Ginny L. Hargrove (husband Glenn Hargrove) of Rowlett, TX; Daughters, Lorette Sievers (husband John Sievers, Sr.), Ruth Elise Stark, Judy Henry (husband Joe Henry), Grace Kimble (fiancée Curtis Blakely), Patricia M. Crutchfield (husband Clinton Crutchfield) all from West Monroe, LA, and Glenda J. Thomas (husband Carl Thomas) of St. Louis, MO; Sons, Ronald D. Stark, Jr. (wife Becky Stark), Daniel L. Stark (wife Michele Stark) residing in Monroe, LA, Eric L. Stark, and Lindsey B. Stark (wife Michelle Stark) residing in West Monroe, LA; and also 31 grandchildren and 42 great grandchildren.
Funeral services for Mr. Ronald D. Stark, Sr. will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2020, at 1:00 P.M. in the chapel of Mulhearn Funeral Home, 300 McMillan Road, West Monroe, LA, with Reverend Bo Horne officiating. Immediately following the service, Interment will be held at Antioch Methodist Church Cemetery, located at 90 Antioch Church Road, West Monroe, LA 71292.
Serving as Pallbearers will be the grandsons: Ronald Dee Stark, III (Trey), Drew Little, Ian Henry, Quentin Henry, Chase Henry, Jacob Wright, Christian Wright, Russell Thomas, Jared Kimble, Deven Stark, Nicholas Stark, and Bridges Stark.
Visitation will be Wednesday, October 21, 2020 from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's and Dementia association https://www.alz.org/alzheimer_s_dementia and/or to United Cerebral Palsy Association https://www.cerebralpalsyguidance.com/cerebral-palsy/united-cerebral-palsy-association/.