Funeral services will take place on Thursday, February 8, 2018 at 12:00 PM (Mountain).
Black Hills National Cemetery
Sturgis, South Dakota
of Cottonwood, South Dakota, died on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at his home in Cottonwood at the age of 73
Philip Tex “Phil” Stark was born May 16, 1944, in Bishop, California the son of Tex and Hazel (Wall) Stark. At the age of five he moved with his family to Philip, where he grew up and received his education, graduating from Philip High School in 1962.
After his graduation, he entered the United States Navy serving as a nuclear submariner. During that time, he met JoAnn Gibson in Charleston, South Carolina. They were married June 17, 1967, in Escondido, California. They made their home in various places where Phil was stationed. Phil was honorably discharged on May 1, 1984, as a Senior Chief Petty Officer, after 20 years of service.
After his military career, they moved to Denver, Colorado, where they ran a mini-storage facility. In May of 1985, they moved to Cottonwood, South Dakota, where they owned and operated JoAnn’s Trading Post and Bar. In 2000, they sold the Trading Post and Bar, and moved to Las Vegas, where they managed 500 mini-storage units. In July 2008, they moved back to Cottonwood, where they retired, and have since resided.
During Phil’s military career, he earned the Navy Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal with two Bronze Stars, and the National Defense Service Medal. He was very proud of earning the US - ROC Mutual Defense Commemorative Badge for contributions to the Republic of China (Taiwan) in its defense of freedom and democracy between 1974-1975. This was presented by Governor Daugaard on August 14, 2017 in Pierre.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, JoAnn of Cottonwood; a daughter Cyndi Wallace and her husband JR; a brother Doug Stark; four grandchildren Mike and Kathie Trover, Brandie Lauffer, Steven and April Johstone, and Dustin Brian Kelly; seven great-grandchildren Alexa, Jordan, and Kaci Trover, Leila Johnstone, Madyson Kelly, TJ Hamilton, and Kaylee Robertson; and several nieces and nephews.
Phil was preceded in death by two daughters Deborah Kay Schoonover and Teresa Hill; his parents; and a sister-in-law Nancy Stark.
Military graveside services will be held 12:00 p.m. Thursday, February 8, at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
A reception will follow the graveside service at the Robinsdale Lounge which is located at 805 E Saint Patrick St., Rapid City, South Dakota 57701.
Graveside Services
Thursday, February 8, 2018 - 12:00 p.m.
Black Hills National Cemetery
Sturgis, South Dakota
Officiating
Dr. William "Bill" Meirose
Music
"Battle Hymn of the Republic"
"My Way"
Pallbearers
Chuck Holsether - Kelly Fees - Hugh Hart
Danny Oldenberg -Marty Burns - Bob Anderson
Honorary Pallbearers
Robert B. Bailey, John Brandy, and William B. Short
who are all part of the U.S. Navy Submarine Service
Interment
Black Hills National Cemetery
Sturgis, South Dakota