Earl was a serial entrepreneur who owned and operated numerous gas stations, restaurants, and truck stops throughout his career. He was an early operator of video poker casinos in Louisiana and held active ownership roles in several well-known establishments, including Toledo Bend Lure Company, Dandy Dan’s convenience stores, Video America, the Starks Silver Dollar, Studebakers Casino, Starz Casino, Stark Inc., Sterling Silver Ranch, and later, the Field of Dreams Sports Bar and Grill.
Beyond business, Earl was a passionate sports fan. He was a devoted Houston Astros supporter, never missed an LSU football game, and faithfully rooted for the Duke Blue Devils during college basketball season.
Survivors include his sons, Erik Stark of Baton Rouge, Dustin Stark and wife, Michele of Kingwood, Texas, Tod Stark of Bridge City, Texas, and Craig Stark of Los Angeles, California; his grandchildren, Britney Stark, Bailey Thibodeaux, Dakota Thibodeaux, Olivia Stark, and Parker Stark; and a great-granddaughter, Madison Adams. He is preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn Stark; his parents, Earl Erick Stark and Foye Lyles Stark; and two brothers, Bob Stark and Lynn Stark.
His funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, December 17, in Hixson-Snider Funeral Home. The Rev. Jeremiah Shields will officiate. Burial will be in Rigmaiden Cemetery in DeQuincy. Pallbearers will be Tod Stark, Craig Stark, Dustin Stark, Erik Stark, Charles Clark, and Larry Stanley. Honorary Pallbearers will be Bobby LeJeune and Marion Hoosier. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday in the funeral home. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.
