Gordon W. Stark

Gordon W. Stark, age 68 and a resident of Springville for more than 32 years, passed away February 8, 2009 in Springville.

Gordon was born to Wilber and Ruby Stark on December 31, 1940 in Hartshorn, MO where he resided until 1956 when his family moved to Southern California.

Also 1956 was the year he met a young woman from Venice named Janelle Sasse, whom shortly thereafter he married on October 1, 2958 in Las Vegas, NV.

In 1976 they purchased The Hamburger Stand in Springville where they worked side by side for the next 32 years perfecting their restaurant and raising their family.

Gordon liked spending time at Morro Bay and Laughlin, NV and many in the Springville community remember seeing him year after year driving his tractor in the Springville Rodeo Parade.

His biggest joy in life however was "playing" with his grand kids. He and Morgan and Shelby were inseparable and Gordon never tired of doting on them.

Gordon was preceded in death by his brother, Jim Stark in 1994.

He leaves behind his devoted wife of 50 years, Janelle; son, Keith Stark of Springville; daughter, Kippie Whinery and husband Walt of Springville; grandchildren, Morgan and Shelby Whinery of Springville; 5 sisters, Donna Hennessey of Springville, Peggy Adams and husband Larry of Porterville, Vonnie Wardlow and husband Donald of Porterville, Connie Quezada of Porterville, Pat Jacob and husband Rick of Porterville; sister-in-law, Dodie Stark of Chattsworth. Gordon also leaves behind a large community of dear friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at the Springville Lighthouse Chapel.

Gordon's family would like to publicly acknowledge and thank the Kaweah Hospice for their loving care when it was needed most and suggest contributions be made in his name to them at: Hospice of Tulare County, 900 W. Oak, Visalia, CA 93291.

For additional information please contact Whitehurst-Peters-Loyd Funeral & Cremation Service, 195 N. Hockett St., Porterville, CA 93257, (559) 784-6485.