Samuel "Sam" Ray Stark

Sam Stark, age 93, of Purcell passed away on Tuesday, January 13,2026. Samuel Ray Stark was born on November 30, 1932, the 5th of 9 children born to Samuel and Mildred (Jones) Stark. His mom passed when he was a young boy and his father raised the 9 children on his own. Sam attended Asher Schools and received his GED while serving his country. Before heading to basic training, Sam had his eye on a very special young lady. While dragging Main, he arranged for their friend groups to “accidentally” get together so he could meet Glenna Jo Chandler. It worked. They hit it off instantly, and after just a couple of months of dating, they were married on July 14, 1953—weeks before Sam left for basic training and deployment to Korea. It truly was love at first sight, and they shared a beautiful marriage of 72½ years. After Sam returned from the service, he opened Foodland Grocery in Lexington. After selling the grocery store, he was a “company man” as the vice president at Anson. In retirement, he served as a consultant for Chesapeake Energy. Even then, Sam never really slowed down. He was happiest when he had something to fix, build, or tinker with. And when he finally did sit still, he was famously good at taking naps…any chair, any time. Sam was a family man; he cherished time with Jo, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He loved Port Aransas, where he could fish and watch the ships come in, and Lake Texoma, where he and Jo had a home and raised their children and grandchildren on the water, creating a lifetime of memories. He enjoyed playing golf, collecting fossils, raising cattle, and drinking coffee on the porch. He was the loudest and biggest fan of all sports his children played, and stories reveal he might have been kicked out of a game or two when referees weren’t getting the calls right. He was known for his turkey carving skills and even though he might’ve been a messy cook, he still loved to help Jo prepare meals. He never met a dessert he didn’t like, and that never changed. Sam was ornery, witty, and deeply loving. Known by many as the “community caretaker,” he selflessly cared for his father, siblings, and anyone who needed help always stepping up without hesitation. He is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Mildred Stark; his brother, Curt Stark; his sisters, Doris Fore, Reba Archer, Theo McCroskey, Zella Nance and Martha Johnston. Sam is survived by his lovely wife and best friend, Jo Stark; his son, Steve Stark and wife Glenda from Norman; his daughter, Stephanie Findley and husband Dean of Edmond; his brother, John Stark of Purcell; his sister, Beulah Borroel and husband Chuck of Mission Viejo, Ca; his 3 granddaughters, Jordan Sanchez and husband Trey, Jessica Findley and Chandler Stark; his great-grandchildren, Ryann Sanchez, Rori Sanchez, Raegan Sanchez, and Caelan Callins; along with a host of family and friends. Sam was loved dearly and will be missed immensely. Funeral Services are scheduled for 2:00 PM Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at Wilson-Little Funeral Home. Interment to follow at Lexington Cemetery. Family has requested in lieu of flowers to consider making a donation to Lilyfield in Sam’s honor at https://www.lilyfield.org/donate or The Oklahoma Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association at http://www.alz.org/oklahoma.

Samuel "Sam" Ray Stark

November 30, 1932 - January 13, 2026