William Stark

William R. Stark died at home peacefully with his daughters by his side on Friday, October 28, 2022, in Glendale, Wisconsin. He was 90 years old. William was born on June 17, 1932 in St. Augustine, Florida the oldest city in the United States. He attended grade school there, where in the 4th grade sent a note to his crush, Bettye Jean Neal. In 1954 he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, with a minor in Chemistry from Florida A&M University. A proud American he happily served his county in the United States Army. He and Bettye were united in matrimony on September 4th 1956, and shortly after moved to Milwaukee, WI. They were married for 63 years. He also earned an Associate Degree in Electronics and several technical certificates from Milwaukee Area Technical College. William was the first African American to study at St. Luke’s Hospital to become a Medical Technologist. He worked with Dr. Derwin Lepley’s surgical team to perform the first two open-heart surgeries. After 33 years with the VA hospital he retired in 1993 as a supervisor of chemistry laboratories. William served as Grand Master of Prince Hall Masons, of the Jurisdiction of Wisconsin, 1984-88, was actively involved with the Prince Hall Masonic Foundation and challenged them to increase their educational assistance to qualified students from $1,500.00 to $10,000.00 which was accomplished during his tenure as Grand Master. The Foundation continues and awards $30,000.00 in scholarship at its Annual Award Banquet. As Grandmaster, Brother Stark initiated the first Joint affair involving Prince Hall Masons with the Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of Wisconsin for ambulatory patients, at the Veteran’s Administration Center. In 1987 Governor Tommy Thompson invited Grand Master Stark and visiting Grand Masters from other jurisdictions to the Capitol. On May 9th, 1977 he was initiated a 33rd degree. In 1978 he was asked to join the United Supreme Council Memorial team as a result of mentioning that the word of Lead Kindly Light were not printed in the memorial program to Grand Master W. Terrell of Michigan. He was active on the team for 8 years until becoming Grand Master. In 1991 after the death of his beloved Deputy Thelbert L. Alexander he was asked to Los Angeles to meet with Sovereign Grand Commander Booker T. Alexander. He was assigned Overseer of Wisconsin. In 1992 in Pennsylvania, for the Deputy’s and Overseer’s meeting, he prepared to memorialize his Deputy. He did this with the help of the Grand Organist of Pennsylvania. He served faithfully for 25 years as Deputy for the Orient of Wisconsin Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite (PHA) Northern Jurisdiction, U.S.A, Inc. for 32nd and 33rd degree masons. He presently serves as Illustrious Grand Minister of State for the United Supreme Council NJ, PHA. A devote Christian, since 1957 a member of St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church. He was Chairman of Men’s Day in 1997, served on the Board of Stewards, and was chairman of the Membership Commission. He served as church trustee, Chairman of the Church Building Fund Committee, former choir member and usher board. Mr. Stark submitted five church sites for St. Mark A.M.E. to Pastor, Rev. Dr. Henderson Davis. One of the five sites; 1616 West Atkinson Avenue was selected “The Church of the Anvil.” A former board member of the Inner City Council on alcohol and Drugs. He was the recipient of: Top Ladies of Distinction Award 1996, in recognition for outstanding accomplishment and service to the community. He received numerous awards for outstanding leadership from Prince Hall Masons and Citations from City of Milwaukee and the state of Wisconsin. William was a board member of the American Society of Clinical Chemistry Technologist. He was elected to the first Equal Employment Opportunity Board at the VA Medical Center and first African-American VA Credit Board member and first President. Under his guidance, the VA Credit Union went over the first one million dollar mark. Years after retiring he pursued a second career in mortuary, and in 2001 was a co-founder of Paradise Memorial Funeral home, until 2016. His family will especially miss Williams’ intellect, humbleness, generosity, support for continuing education, with a penchant and a brilliant mind for geography, and family history. To come from humble beginnings to all he achieved throughout his life is the legacy he leaves his family. He leaves to cherish his memory his daughters: Ruth Stark-Jordan (Edgar), Milwaukee, WI., Dr. Rose Stark-Rose (Joseph), St. Cloud, Minnesota, Robyn Simmons (preceded in death) grandchildren: Eden Jordan, Milwaukee, WI., Anthony Stark (Carmen) Cape Coral, FL., Joseph Rose Jr., (Sadie) Naperville, IL. great-grandchildren: Cristion Stark Cape Coral, FL., Brianna Stark Chicago IL., Yasmeen Stark Cape Coral, FL., nephew: Michael Walker (Jackie) Ocala, FL. nieces: Cathy Tanner (Alvin), Ocala, FL., Debra Leahmon (Monroe), Ocala, FL., Toni Walker Ocala, FL., preceded by nieces Angela Samuels and Rita (Tracy) Jackson, and a whole host of friends, cousins, and his church and masonic families.