Robert Stark

Robert Stark, 77, of Castle Pines, Colorado, passed away on May 12, 2018 in the comfort of his home. He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Sally Marie Roberts Stark. He is survived by his daughters and their families: Nancy and Curtis Hays of Lawrence, Kansas, and granddaughters Chloe and Cara Hays, and Julie and John Owens of Castle Pines, Colorado, and granddaughters Ashley and Megan Owens. He is also survived by his sister, Jean Burt of Dallas, Texas, and his brother, Greg Stark of Ashland, Kentucky. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Arlene Kallas.

Bob was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 25, 1940, son of Afton Kilburn and Carl P. Stark. He graduated from the AFROTC Program at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas in 1963. Upon graduation, he entered the Air Force, flew C130s as a Pilot and served a tour in Viet Nam. He earned multiple ribbons and medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. Bob continued his Air Force service as a pilot in the AF Reserves, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and was a Command Pilot serving as an Instructor/Flight Examiner before retirement in 1985. In addition, he had a 32-year career as a Commercial Airline Pilot attaining the rank of Captain and was also a Line and Simulator Instructor for TWA, Piedmont Airlines and USAirways. Bob loved flying commercially and was a well-respected teacher and pilot, retiring in the year 2000 from USAirways. Through his military and commercial careers and ultimately his love of flying, he made some of his closest lifelong friends. He and his family have always been extremely grateful for those friendships.

Upon retirement, he and Sally moved to Colorado and had more time to spend with family, especially their four granddaughters. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and pet lover. He enjoyed walking, playing golf and taking family trips to Maui. He frequently claimed that retirement was the best job he ever had. We are forever grateful for the life lessons and opportunities that he provided to his family. We will love you and miss you always, Captain. It’s a great day to fly""é

The family held a private Celebration of Life service on Memorial Day. We ask that, if you wish to make a memorial contribution in Bob’s name, that you do so to your local ROTC program or to the Wounded Warrior Project. The ROTC program enabled Bob to have the career he had always dreamed of having. You may find your local ROTC program at this link: https://www.afrotc.com/locator. The Wounded Warrior Project is helping mentally and physically injured soldiers and Veterans reclaim their lives. You may donate to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.Woundedwarriorproject.org or at 855.448.3997.

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