STARK, Robert H. “Pat”
Date of death: 16 Apr 2003 Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana
Franklin Daily Journal, April 19, 2003
INDIANAPOLIS
R. PAT STARK
R. Pat Stark, 79, died Wednesday, April 16, 2003, at Todd-Aikens Health Center in Franklin. He was a resident of Indianapolis.
He was born March 17, 1924, in Universal. His parents were Aldo and Lillian (Phillips) Stark. He married Rose Davis on May 22, 1943, in Indianapolis. She survives. Other survivors include a son, Patrick M. Stark of Greenwood; two daughters, Pam Helton of Whiteland and Sherry Stiegelmeyer of Beech Grove; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
He graduated from Manual High School, where he made the All-State basketball team in 1942.
He was employed by the Indianapolis Police Department from Nov. 22, 1950, to March 15, 1982. He was a patrolman and a sergeant in the motorcycle division, in which he was a part of the drill team. In this position, he led the Indianapolis 500 parade for several years. He also was the escort of the 1954 State Championship Milan basketball team and has the only known basketball autographed by the entire team.
He was previously commander of the homicide and robbery division, receiving two unit citations and a commendation for clearing 96 burglary cases with arrest and conviction.
He was past president of the Fraternal Order of Police Local 86, and of the State Fraternal Order of Police from 1968 to 1971. He had also served as trustee of the central district.
He was the national president of the Fraternal Order of Police from 1975 to 1979, where he met with several U.S. presidents and assisted with legislation.
As president of the state and national Fraternal Order of Police, he installed numerous lodges. He had also served at past national treasurer of the F.O.P.
In the late 1970s, he was commander of the Police Athletic Club.
Chaplains Phil Bacon, Rick Kassel, and Darren Sroufe will conduct a service Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Christ United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. Calling will be Monday from 2 to 8 p.m., at Singleton & Herr Mortuary, 7520 S. Madison Ave., Indianapolis. Burial will be at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Greenwood.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Indiana Fraternal Order of Police, 1416 E. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46201
Submitted by Mark Wirey