September 10, 1935 – April 22, 2023
Harold William Stark Jr., better known as Bud, 87, Cicero, passed away on April 22, 2023, after a long battle with illness.
Bud was born on September 10, 1935, to Harold and Joelina Stark in St. Louis, Mo. After graduating from Brentwood High School in 1954, where he began dating his wife of 66 years, Joanne, he went on to study at Westminster College in Fulton, Mo., where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. During his college years, he married the love of his life, Joanne, on November 16, 1956.
After graduation, Bud joined the Army in Ft. Benning, Ga., where he completed Jump School and served as a Captain in the Army Rangers. During his time in the service, he and Joanne welcomed their first child, Debby Stark, in 1959. They later added to their family with Scott (Kaye) Stark, Kathy (Dave) Arens, and Steve (Bambi) Stark; along with grandchildren, Lindsay (Aaron) Link, Erin (Chad) Hunt, Casy (Ryan) Flatley, KC Foster, Megan (Brandon) Foutz, Michael (Katie) Stark, and Brittany Stark; as well as great-grandchildren, Gracie, Claire, Vaughn, Ava, Breah, Owen, and Remy.
Bud was a determined and loyal man who worked hard to provide for family and give them the life he felt they deserved. He was a successful insurance agent and co-owner of HBG Insurance and Bonds for most of his career, instilling a positive work ethic to his family and those around him. He was very supportive in helping others achieve success in life as well.
In his younger years, he was a pilot, was a passionate handball player, ran mini-marathons, and was an avid slalom skier, often competing and winning awards in the International Novice Tournament (INT). He actually took first place for his category when he was in his 70s. He and his wife were also coordinators for the INT for the state of Indiana. He also loved to keep an immaculate garage, for which he took much pride (no shoes allowed)!
Bud was preceded in death by both of his parents; his brother, Joe Scott “Shorty,” and his son-in-law, David Arens. He is survived by his wife, Joanne; his sister-in-law, Barbie; as well as all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
He is a member of Noblesville First Presbyterian Church, 1207 Conner St., Noblesville, where the following services will be held: visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023, with funeral service immediately following at 1 p.m. Refreshments and further gathering time available after service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the church.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Hartley Funeral Homes Cicero Chapel, and where you may leave condolences at hartleyfuneralhomes.com.