Ward E. Stark

Ward Eugene Stark was born July 3, 1946 in Anthony, Kansas at the Galloway Hospital, to Homer and Wanda (Davis) Stark.  He lived in Corwin where he began school, transferring to Hazelton for a few years before graduating from Anthony High School.  

Ward married Linda Pennington in Lamar, Missouri and they shared 59 years of marriage.  They made their home in Anthony and were blessed with four children: Terry, Judy, Mike, and David.  

Ward began his pipeline career with City Service Gas Company, later becoming Williams, working in Corwin, Kansas in the beginning.  His career took him from Corwin, to Haysville, and then to Wichita.  He retired from Williams after 34 years, and he and Linda moved back to Anthony.  

Ward loved fishing and hunting and sharing stories.  His stories were mostly true.  He always relied on Linda to verify the truth of his stories.  He had a 1929 Model A box cab truck that he and Linda enjoyed taking to car shows, and he used it as an opportunity to tell stories about why it had bullet holes in it.  So, if you knew Ward and you had an hour or two to sit and visit, he had the stories to share.  

Ward was an active member of the Anthony Masonic Lodge, Anthony Kiwanis Club, and Anthony Christian Church.  When his health began to fail and he moved into Attica Long Term Care, he truly missed his fellowship time with all the fellow members of the organizations he loved.  

On November 28, 2025, Ward passed away at the age of 79.  He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Shirley Pennington; and infant brother, Terrance.

Ward will be deeply missed by his wife, Linda; his children: Terry (Diana) Stark, Judy (Jay) Spengler, Mike (Shirley) Stark, and David (Rose) Stark; 9 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; siblings: Roger Stark, Alice (Steve) Rose, Marilyn (Charlie) Potts, and Tanya Parker; several nieces and nephews; other relatives; and a host of friends.  

A come and go reception to celebrate Ward’s life was held on Friday, December 5, 2025 at the Anthony Christian Church Fellowship Hall.

Memorials in memory of Ward may be made payable to either the Anthony Masonic Lodge, Anthony Kiwanis Club, or Anthony Christian Church, and can be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003.