John Joseph Stark

John J. "Buster" Stark, 74, of Keokuk, IA, died Thursday, June 1, 2006 at his home. He was born on March 14, 1932 in Keokuk, IA, the son of John W. and Lilly F. Davis Stark. On September 24, 1966 John was united in marriage to Florence A. Brewer in Keokuk, IA. She survives. Other survivors include three daughters, Dorinda White of Keokuk, IA, Rena Meyers of Argyle, IA and Kathy Crowell and her husband Duke of Keokuk, IA, two step-daughters, Pam Whitaker and her husband Michael of Keokuk, IA, and Sandy Conn of Galesburg, IL, six step-sons, Johnny Brewer and his wife Becky of Quincy, IL, Larry Brewer and his wife Sharon of St. Petersburg, FL, David Brewer of Keokuk, IA, Robert Brewer and his wife Lori of Keokuk, IA, Richard Brewer of Des Moines, IA and Ronald Brewer and his wife Sandra of Des Moines, IA, a granddaughter Dana Garrelt, whom they raised, thirty one grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren, four sisters, Betty Knight and her husband Bill of Elvaston, IL, Frances Stark and her husband Eugene of Winona, MN, Norma Steffensmeyer and her husband Dale of Keokuk, IA, and Zena Vermeesch of Keokuk, IA, two brothers, Earl Vermeesch and his wife Annie and Perry Vermeesch, all of Keokuk, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, one step-son, Donald Brewer, one brother, Donnie Stark, and eight sisters, Gale Barrows, Ruth Arend, Evelyn Vermeesch, Patsy Best, Mary Burdess, Norma Ortega, Martha and Iva. John was a veteran of the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict. Over the years he had been employed at Keokuk Steel Castings, Streeters, the Keosippi Mall and Cramer Realty, all in Keokuk, IA. He was a member of the Bel Air Baptist Church in Keokuk and the American Legion Post #41. John enjoyed working in his garden and doing embroidery. He also enjoyed taking drives and enjoying the sights in the tri-state area. His family was very important to him and he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 6 at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with Pastor Mike McMillan officiating. Burial with military rites was in the Keokuk National Cemetery.