Ernest Stark, a man known for his charismatic spirit, generous heart, and courageous soul, passed away on October 8, 2024. Bart was a man of many talents and passions, a spirited soul who lived life to its fullest. For those who had the opportunity to know him, he was the embodiment of the phrase, “work hard, play hard,” a testament to his commitment to not only his family and friends but to his hobbies and country as well.
Born a hard worker, Bart was not one to shy away from a challenge. Prior to serving as a United States Marine for 27 years, he worked on a farm in Iowa. His courage was exemplified when he served as a door gunner on a helicopter in two tours in the Vietnam war, an experience that only further shaped his indomitable spirit. He also served as a drill instructor at MCRD San Diego and in fixed wing maintenance in Camp Legune and Cherry Point before retiring as a Major.
Throughout his life, Bart continued to showcase his innovative side, inventing unique ‘tree hats’ to protect fruit from critters, woodworking, building his own furniture, and keeping bees on his Havelock, North Carolina farm. His love for his children was evident in the joy he found in taking them camping during summers on his boat out to Shackleford Island to sleep on the sand among the wild ponies and teaching them to fish for dinner. His use of a cast net was pure poetry along the shallow banks of the Neuse River.
Bart was also known for his love for country music, inviting his daughters out to the local honky-tonks for a soda pop, his poetic nature, and his gift for giving memorable nicknames attestable by Toots, Flea, Tater, Gator-Bait, and Amazing Maisy. He had a knack for socializing, always the life of the party, and never shied away from sharing a good story with others. His ornery nature was balanced by a heart of gold, making him a delight to be around. His generosity knew no bounds, often seen in his big tipping and in his becoming a favorite regular of the Waffle House waitresses. Bart was a man who valued the company of family and friends above all else, a man who believed in the power of shared laughs and shared memories. His life was a testament to living every day with courage, charisma, and a generous spirit.
Ernest left behind a wonderful family including his sisters Janet and Wilda; his daughters Christina, Paula (Scot), and Elizabeth (Timothy); his eight grandchildren Gunner, Gage (Kara), Hana (Sylas), Blaire, Skylar, Halimeda, Joseph, and Maisy; and two great-grandchildren Selena and Kupa’a. He also was a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Emo and Wilma, and his sisters, Patricia, Carol, and Amarilys.
Bart has been cremated and a graveside service will be held in Corydon Cemetery. The obituary will be updated with the date and time of the service once it is scheduled.
Bart Stark’s legacy will forever be cherished and remembered by those who knew him. We invite you to share your memories, photos, and anecdotes of Bart on his memorial page, to help celebrate a life so beautifully lived. Let’s commemorate Bart, not just for the charismatic and generous soul that he was, but for the loving memories and lasting impacts he left on us all.
