Marvin Stark

Marvin Lawrence Stark, 90 of Lexington, Missouri met his Savior on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at his home in Lexington. He was born Wednesday, August 21, 1935 in Cole Camp, Missouri, to William Stark and Pauline (Kullmann) Stark. He grew up in the Waverly, MO area and graduated from Santa Fe High School in Grand Pass, MO in 1952. Marvin enlisted in the United States Army in 1958 and proudly served until 1960. On January 1, 1977, Marvin married the love of his life, Sandra (Aufemkanp) Stark. Together they shared 48 wonderful years filled with hard work, laughter, and countless memories. Marvin built his career with ARMCO Steel, where he served as a foreman in the wire coating division. His skills and dedication led him to contribute ideas that became part of multiple company patents related to galvanizing and manufacturing barbed wire as well as other wiring techniques. His intellect led to more company patents with machines to manufacture these products more efficiently and cost effectively. In addition to his industrial work, Marvin was a devoted farmer, tending to his land in Lexington with the same care and pride that defined every part of his life. A man of many interests and boundless energy, Marvin also opened his heart and home to others, hosting two foreign exchange students, Bettina Harms in 1982 and Jochen Harms in 1996, both of whom became part of their family. He was deeply involved in his church, and in 2007 until 2017, he oversaw the restoration of the church’s remodeling projects as well as the bell tower. He located, restored and reinstalled the original bell so its familiar sound could once again fill the community. Marvin enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and when he could step away from his many projects, taking trips to Branson, Missouri, where he and Sandra made fond memories together. Above all, he was a man who believed in doing things the right way, caring deeply for his family, friends, and faith. He will be remembered for his steady hands, his generous heart, and the legacy of love and integrity he leaves behind. Surviving are his wife, Sandra Stark of the home; two sons, Bruce Stark of New York, Steven (Maria) Stark of Virginia Beach, VA; two daughters, Kimberly (Brian) Zimmerman of Excelsior Springs, MO and Kathy (Claudus) Mallot of Lexington; fifteen grandchildren, Jessica (Brandon) Hembree, Brittanie (Jacob) McGee, Breanna Mallot (Anthony Jose), Austin (Lexie) Zimmerman, Kaitlyn (Alex) Jackson, Skylar Stark, Reagan Stark, Kyle (Ashley) Cowherd, Samantha Sierck, Adam Cowherd, Cody Burton, Joseph Mallot, Vincint Mallot, Maica Stark, Michael Davis; one brother-in-law, Norman Weedin of Waverly, MO; and many great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Kevin (Sherry) Cowherd, two brothers, Ralph Stark and Carl Stark; and one sister, Marie Weedin. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home, 1600 Main St. Higginsville, Missouri. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, October 24, 2025 at Immanuel Lutheran Church located at 1501 Lipper St. Higginsville, Missouri 64037. Burial with military honors will follow in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Higginsville, MO. Casket bearers: Brian Zimmerman, Austin Zimmerman, Claudus Mallot, Steven Stark, Skylar Stark, Nathan Oglesby. Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Marvin Stark

August 21, 1935 - October 16, 2025