Rex Lee Stark

Rex Lee Stark, 80, of Independence, Missouri, passed away Friday, October 8, 2021.

Rex was born on February 13, 1941, in Sugartree, Missouri, the son of Robert Perry Lee and Nellie Margaret (Johnson) Stark. He was one of five children.

He attended Wakenda School and later married Wanda “Mutt” Fay Arbour and to this union were born three sons.

Rex worked as a professional painter out of I.U.P.A.T. District Council 3, Local Union #9.

He was very involved with his son’s lives, taking them to little league and then transitioning to Cub Scouts, Webelos and Boy Scouts (Troop 192). Each son earned their Eagle Scout and was a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. All three sons were members of the US Military.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting and reading. He had a passion for avidly researching Civil War actions and battlefields and often visited the sites he read about.

Rex was a Masonic member for over 50 years and held many officer positions. He was a Past Master of McDonald Lodge #324 and also associated with the York Rite, Scottish Rite, Shriners, and being appointed to the position of Deputy District Grand Master for the 59th Masonic District by the Grand Master of the State of Missouri. He initiated and raised all three sons, a grandson and all three brothers as Master Masons, two of which are also Past Masters of McDonald Lodge. He assisted other lodges with lectures and degrees and was adept at honoring brothers who have passed, officiating at 154 Masonic funerals including his brother Perry.

Rex was also a member of the Elks and Eagles Lodges.
Rex is survived by his children, Rex (Tina) Stark, Jr., Lee (Patricia) Stark, Shawn (Lissa) Stark; his grandchildren, Bryan (April), Eric, Joshua, John Patrick, Shawn Michael (Jordan); his great grandchildren, Devyn, Carter, Everett; his siblings, Robert Stark, Micky (Janet) Stark, Pamela (Danny) Gladbach; and many other extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his loving wife Wanda; his daughter, Terry Lee Stark; his parents, Robert and Nellie Stark; his brother, Perry Stark; and his sister in law Betty Stark.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 14, 2021, between the hours of 12:30-2:30 p.m., at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th Street, Independence, Missouri 64055. Masonic celebration will begin at 2pm followed by a graveside service at 3:00 pm at Oak Ridge Memory Gardens in Independence, Missouri.

In honor of Rex, contributions are suggested to be made to Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st St, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131.