John G. Stark

John Gilbert Stark Sr., age 78, of Dover, TN, went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at his residence with loved ones.

John was born March 27, 1947, in Danville, IL, the beloved son of Joseph Lester Stark Sr. and Mary Jane (Kern) Stark. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy, serving two tours in Vietnam from 1965-1969 as a member of the U.S. Navy Construction Battalions, better known as the Navy Seabees. John was a hard worker, retiring after 30 years at General Motors. He had previously served as an Officer and a Captain at the Georgetown Police Department.

John was committed to his family, friends and church. He was a devoted member of the Dover First Church of the Nazarene, where he served as a Board Member and Trustee. He was a wonderful Christian man who loved the Lord and lived as a faithful servant.

John had the ability to build and fix most anything. He was intentional in staying connected to his family and friends, wherever they may be, whether in Tennessee, Georgia, Illinois, Wisconsin, Arkansas or Northern Ontario. He loved woodworking and making gifts for his family which were unique and practical. John also enjoyed a good story, jokes, and entertaining with his magic tricks. He enjoyed family fish fries and good food. He especially loved sharing the outdoors with his family and friends, whether it was hunting, fishing, golf or finding mushrooms.

John had a commanding and calming presence. Over the years, he influenced many a young man, especially taking time for those who had served in the military. He had the ability to influence those around him by word and deed by his integrity and follow through. He attempted to live out his faith by gentleness, grace and understanding.

John’s legacy of love, faith, and service will live on through his family and friends and all who knew him.

John is preceded in death by his parents, his grandson, James M. Miller, and his brother in-law, Gordon Richards.

John leaves behind his loving family; his wife of 58 years, Linda Richard Stark; sons John (Rachael) Stark Jr. and Jason (Melanie) Stark, daughter, Janet (Brian) Pettice; brothers Joseph (Becky) Stark Jr. , Gerald “Jerry” (Janice) Stark, Jeffrey (Debbie) Stark and sister JaNell Stark; grandchildren, Kristen (Trevor) Hotchkiss, Andrea Stark, Josiah Stark, Stacie (Anthony) Wamsteeker, Mark Stark, Levi Stark, Drew Stark, Alex Stark, Rose Stark, and Aidan Pettice; great grandchildren, Joshua Wamsteeker, Miriam Wamsteeker, Isaac Mooy, Lydia Mooy and Nolan Hotchkiss and a large number of nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held at Sunset Funeral Home’s Houghton- Leasure Chapel, located at 200 E. West Street in Georgetown, from 12 pm – 2 pm on Sunday, October 12, 2025. A funeral service will follow at 2 pm at the funeral home that afternoon. Interment will be held at Vermilion Grove Cemetery, Vermilion Grove, IL.

In lieu of memorials, the family request donations be made to Dover First Church of the Nazarene’s building fund; 1335 Donelson Pkwy; Dover, TN 37058.