Franklin Woodrow Stark

The Amazing Franklin Woodrow Stark, aged 90 years, made it to his final destination when he passed into Heaven on March 9th, 2025. There, he met many who had gone before him, including his two daughters, Connie Stark and Vicki Remington, and his beloved wife, Cora
Lue Stark. Between what we imagine are great celebrations of reunion, they now wait for those left on Earth, including his son, Ken Stark, grandson Justin Fockler, and granddaughters Brandy Bollinger (Donny), Amanda Lie (Hank) and Christina Huggins (Tim). His adoring great grandchildren include Alex Sleyster, Kenzy Bollinger, Donny Bollinger, Mason Roe, Gabbi Bollinger, Oliver Lie, Addie Lie, Payton Bollinger, Lizzi Huggins, and Charli Huggins. It would be impossible to name how many others cared for and loved him deeply.

Franklin, or “Woody” as most knew him, was born in Shell City, Missouri, on March 19th, 1934, to Lucille and Albert Stark. He grew up there among his seven siblings, attending Walker High School, where he made lasting friendships. He settled in Kansas City, Missouri as a newlywed. They raised their family in Grandview, Missouri and then built their dream home in Peculiar, Missouri, where so many family memories were made. While caring for his wife in the last years of life, they lived in Raymore, Missouri, where he stayed for the rest of his days.

Woody had as many jobs as any one person can count, truly being a jack of all trades. His favorite of all was his position as a machinist, where he built friendships and earned the profound respect of his peers and leaders.

When he wasn’t working to support his family’s needs, he was busy taking care of home. For him, this included tending a small farm of cows, horses, chickens, and bunnies. Horses were one of his greatest joys, and wonderful memories were made riding them with his kids, which he happily did even on the most exhausting days.

He married the love of his life, Cora Lue May, after realizing on their first date that he couldn’t live without her. They remained together until her death 68 years later. He set the example that his granddaughters would measure their husbands against, loving his wife through the extreme ups and downs they experienced.

Woody’s absolute and unwavering faith in God was his most defining characteristic, and the reason behind the love he showed so many people in so many ways. Never one to complain, ask “why me” or speak poorly of others, he demonstrated for all of us what truly walking in your faith looks like.

Woody will be missed by all who ever crossed his path. We hope that those who knew him will share his faith with others, in honor of the person he taught us all that we could be.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 18th at First Baptist Church in Peculiar, Missouri at 1:00pm. Join us to share the love of this wonderful man and wear your happiest clothes for the occasion in remembrance of the snappy dresser he was. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Samaritan’s Purse.