Phil Stark

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.

Service Details

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

Guest Book

Will miss you and PBR Stock just went down
   ~ Chad Cactus Flat (2/5/2018)
Good times, good memories of Phil. He will be missed. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
   ~ Ron and Nancy Haigh Philip (2/5/2018)
JoAnn,
My Deepest Sympathy. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

   ~ Fawna (Geigle) Goff Sturgis, SD (2/6/2018)
Hi Joann so sorry to hear about Phil (have often thought about you and phil) he will be greatly missed
   ~ Sue (Fees) Gilles 13000 deer creek ln (2/4/2018)
We are very saddened to hear of Phil's death. He was a true shipmate, good friend, and a whole lotta' fun to be with. Our sincere sympathy to his family.
   ~ Dave and Ruthann Thomas Seneca, South Carolina (2/7/2018)
So sorry to hear of Phil's passing. Much love to JoAnn and family!!
   ~ Janet Humphrey Fredericksburg, VA (2/4/2018)
We were saddened to hear of Phil’s passing. Remember the good times and always keep them in you heart.
   ~ Jim and Vonnie O’Dea Howes, SD (2/5/2018)
JoAnn and Doug thinking of you in your time of loss. I had a very nice visit with Phil at George’s seevice I was very happy he came to pay his respects to my dad. He talked of Tex and his family a lot through the years.
   ~ Kris Smith Milesville SD (2/11/2018)
Sorry to hear of Phil's passing. Sending peace and love to the family today and in the days to come.
   ~ Krystl (Anderson) Vermundson Rapid City (2/5/2018)
Joann and Doug, we were so sorry to hear the passing of Phil. Was so hoping to see you both in Arizona this month. We send our deepest sympathy, love, and prayers.
   ~ Dick and Sherri Pipal Stapleton, NE (2/7/2018)
Thanks for serving
   ~ A VETERAN (2/5/2018)
So sorry to hear of Phil''s passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers..
   ~ Todd &Lacey Thorson Philip SD (2/6/2018)
Joann, Doug and family I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Phil was quite a guy. I am glad I was able to know him and his family. Looks like he accomplished alot in his life. Hugs for you all!! RIP Phil
   ~ Bonnie Moses Nebraska (2/7/2018)
JoAnn (and family) I am so sorry for your loss. Phil was a great man.

   ~ Amy Hatheway Pierre, SD (2/5/2018)
Prayers for you Joann. God give you comfort and peace in knowing Phil is no longer in pain and is with his maker.
   ~ Carol Lynch (2/5/2018)
So sorry to hear of Phil passing. Our thoughts and prayers to the family.
   ~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler 2130 Ellen St. Sturgis,S.D. (2/5/2018)
JoAnn, so sorry to hear of your loss.. Phil was a one of a kind and we were blessed to know and be neighbors and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
   ~ Rose and Glen Bennett Philip SD (2/5/2018)
Dear JoAnn, I am deeply saddened hearing from you
On Phil’s passing. I had a great time when I was stationed in
San Diego, thanks to you and of cause Phil. I have GREAT memories , even after my discharge when I visited you
In Indiana. All our love
David & Jo-Ann

   ~ David & Jo-Ann Levy Massapequa, New York (2/8/2018)