fbpx

Stephen Wayne Stark, 57

Stark-StephenStephen Wayne Stark, Mission, Kansas, was born and raised in Coffeyville, Kansas; the son of Hazel and Arthur Stark and brother of Bill Collins, Carolyn Howard, Virginia Lee Allison and Arthur Stark, Jr. Upon graduating from Field Kindley High School Steve attended KU in Lawrence, transferring to Pittsburg State University for his final year where he earned a BBA degree in Accounting. Steve went on to receive his CPA certification in 1984.

Steve and his wife, Diane, moved to Prairie Village, Kansas in 1983 and quickly began their life as parents. The day after their oldest son Timothy Adam Stark celebrated his second birthday, twins Ryan Daniel and Sarah Marie Stark arrived. From day one, Steve was a hands-on father whose love for his children shone in everything he did. Whether it was giving piggyback rides, coaching softball, helping with homework, serving pancakes, belting out a song or reading the nightly bedtime story, Steve excelled as a father. Steve and Diane divorced in 1995 and continued as a team to raise Tim, Ryan, and Sarah. Steve’s devotion and unbridled love for his children was his top priority.

Steve excelled as well in his career as a CPA. His services were employed by Yellow Freight, St. Luke’s Hospital, Riverside Transport and State Street. Steve was an exemplary accountant who brought his unique blend of analytical intelligence and general exuberance to every job. Even in his last month of life Steve was selected to participate in a telephone interview for employment. His strong desire to contribute constructively to his field could not be dampened by illness.

In 2006, Steve met his love and partner-for-life, Lora Swanson Peterson, and many fun-filled years followed. Their lives took a turn in 2012 when Steve was diagnosed with advanced multiple myeloma. Conventional treatments were used with short-term success. In 2014, through the KU Cancer Center, Steve and Lora embarked on a clinical trial journey of epic proportion. Together, they traveled several times from Kansas City to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in NYC where Steve received an experimental allogeneic T-cell depleted bone marrow transplant. Months of traveling, monitoring, successes and set-backs followed. Through it all Steve remained joyful and uncomplaining; grateful to be a part of the search for a cure. Steve beat cancer. The toll of the fight on his physical body, however, overwhelmed him. Steve’s unselfish contribution to the understanding of a cure for multiple myeloma will forever be a monumental factor in changing the course of treatment for this devastating disease.

Steve died peacefully to the voices of his children telling stories while the music of his favorite band, Grateful Dead, played in the background. Steve’s was a life well lived. He will be dearly missed by many.

A memorial service and celebration of Steve’s life is scheduled for May 14, 2016 from 1pm to 4pm at Johnson County Funeral Chapel 11200 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, Kansas, 66201. Written or spoken stories of Steve’s life are encouraged.
Contributions in Steve’s honor to The American Cancer Society for funding of their Hope Lodge program are greatly appreciated.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared with the family at www.CremationCenterKC.com

About the author

Jay Senter
Jay Senter

Jay Senter is the founder and publisher of the Post.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in business at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, where he worked as a reporter and editor at The Badger Herald.

He went on to receive a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Kansas, where he earned the Calder Pickett Award. While he was in graduate school, he also worked as a reporter for the Lawrence Journal-World.

LATEST HEADLINES