Eldon Lee Stark

Eldon Lee Stark of Asher, Oklahoma, passed away March 11, 2023 in Shawnee, OK. He was born January 30, 1941 in Shawnee, OK to George and Maggie (Smith) Stark.

In 1960, he married Norma June Rutherford and from this union a son, Eldon Lee, Jr. was born in 1963. The young couple shared a love of Elvis and his music as well as going to the lake and spending time with their extended families.  After Norma's passing, he married Phyllis Ann Fuxa in 2000 and they made their home on his home place in Pearson, OK.

Eldon was baptized at a young age at the Pearson Baptist Church.  He went to school in Asher, OK and graduated in 1959.  His love of cars started around the age of fourteen.  He loved working on cars to buy and sell.  This grew into fast cars participating in drag racing.  Competition took him all over Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas.  The family loved to watch him compete.  His prize was his 1964 Biscayne which still sits in his garage.

Eldon's dad owned Stark Service Station and Eldon helped run it and eventually built a new garage in 1977.  His trade became known for painting and repair work.  As time passed he became interested in the oil business and with is father-in-law, Everett Rutherford's help and training, he began his career with his first well purchased in 1977.  Eldon passed on his passion to his son, JR and grandson, Trevor.

He loved his cattle, especially the baby calves, his cats, and dogs including his special dog, Hot Shot.  He enjoyed going to restaurants far and wide to get a good steak or fish fry or maybe a good burger from The Hamburger King in Shawnee.  His son JR loved to take his dad and Phyllis on trips to look at scenery.  Something was always beautiful to see!

Eldon was a man who was fiercely protective of his friends and family.  Even with his sometimes tough and gruff exterior, he loved his family and was always happy and grateful to spend time with them.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Leo Stark; sisters, Avonelle Sanders and husband Jack and Genova Sanders; and first wife, Norma June Rutherford.

He will be deeply missed by wife, Phyllis; son, JR and wife Teresa; and grandchildren, Trevor and Rachel; step-children, Teresa Fuxa and Bobby Fuxa; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A funeral ceremony for Eldon will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Shawnee with Pastor Matthew Tassey officiating. Following the ceremony, Eldon will be laid to rest at Tecumseh Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be sent to Redeemer Lutheran Church Building Fund in Shawnee.