Glenn Leo Stark

Born on February 22, 1948, in Wadsworth, Ohio, to Leo and Betty Stark, where he spent his youth. At age 19, Glenn answered the call to serve our country, beginning a lifelong Army career defined by extraordinary service, sacrifice, resilience, and devotion. Glenn was deployed to Vietnam during one of the most difficult periods in American history and completed three tours, demonstrating remarkable courage and commitment at a young age.

Glenn married Carla while home on leave from Vietnam. Although life took them down separate paths for a time, they later found their way back to one another, remarried, and continued their love story together for 47 years.

Glenn served honorably in the United States Army for 31 years, retiring in 1998 at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. Throughout his distinguished military career, Glenn earned numerous commendations and the deep respect of those who served alongside him.

After retiring from the Army, Glenn continued pushing himself toward new goals. He earned a degree from University of Phoenix, becoming the first person in his family to graduate from college—an accomplishment he took great pride in.

Retirement did not mark the end of his service. After September 11, 2001, Glenn went to Washington, D.C., supporting the early work of Homeland Security as a GS government employee. Glenn later continued serving as a civilian contractor in conflict areas, including Iraq and Afghanistan, answering the call once again.

Following military and civilian service, Glenn remained deeply committed to fellow veterans and the community of Surprise, Arizona. Glenn was highly active with Veterans of Foreign Wars Nicky D. Bacon Post 285, serving for a time as Commander, and was also a member of Disabled American Veterans Chapter 24. Glenn was an active voice on various City of Surprise Military Affairs committees, with a special focus on advocating for veterans. In 2019, the City of Surprise recognized Glenn as a Surprise Hometown Hero in the Veteran category, honoring both military service and continued dedication to others.

Glenn’s commitment to service extended beyond veteran organizations. As a past member of the Surprise Rotary Club, Glenn supported efforts to provide emergency vehicles, including used ambulances and fire trucks, to underserved communities in Mexico.

Glenn also loved to travel. After seeing much of the world through war and conflict, Glenn found joy in experiencing its beauty—especially through cruises, exploring new places, and creating memories with Carla and family. This love of travel eventually led Glenn to open a travel agency, a venture that became part of the family’s story for a season.

Above all, Glenn treasured time with family. Glenn especially enjoyed golfing with son-in-law Otis; what began as family grew into a genuine friendship marked by many memorable rounds together.

To those who knew Glenn personally, Glenn was stubborn, protective, loyal, hardworking, and deeply proud—standing firm in his beliefs, loving deeply in a personal way, and carrying the strength of someone who had seen much of the world.

Glenn is survived by spouse Carla Ann Stark of Surprise, Arizona; daughters Tami Berringer of Phoenix, Arizona, and Jenny Mitchell and spouse Otis Mitchell of Tolleson, Arizona; grandsons Kyle Berringer, Justin Berringer, and Jeremy Berringer; siblings Karen Lougthen, Richard Stark, Patty Schoder Kerns, Pam Tomasovic, Dottie Skoreonski ; sisters-in-law Sheryl Morris and Debbie Cook; and many nieces and nephews.

Glenn was preceded in death by parents Leo and Betty Stark.

Glenn will be cremated and laid to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, where Glenn will be interred with full military honors earned through a lifetime of service. Service details will be shared with family and friends at a later date.

Glenn lived many lives within one lifetime—a soldier, veteran, public servant, spouse, parent, grandparent, uncle, traveler, mentor, and friend. Glenn meant many different things to many people, but through all of life's complexities, one truth remained constant: Glenn was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.

Glenn’s legacy of service, sacrifice, strength, adventure, and love will forever remain in our hearts.

Rest well, your watch is over.