Franklin D. Stark

Franklin Dudley Stark, 83, of Columbus, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Medical Lodges in Columbus.

Born on December 6, 1942, in Bartlett, Kansas, to Irvin D. and Mattie J. (Lewis) Stark, Franklin grew up in Labette County and graduated from Labette County Community High School in 1961. He went on to serve 20 years in the United States Air Force, including duty in the Vietnam War, a stationing in Germany, and travels through Libya.

A gifted mechanic with a talent for repairing vehicles and small engines, Franklin took quiet pride in his ability to fix nearly anything. He cherished time spent with family at gatherings and holidays, and his kind, gentle, and sweet nature endeared him to many as a loyal and steadfast friend. He also found enjoyment in playing dominoes.

He is survived by two brothers, Irvin W. “Junior” Stark and his wife, Judy, of Wellington, Kansas, and David Stark and his wife, Lauri, of West Mineral, Kansas; his niece, Lisa Low and her husband, Cecil, of West Mineral, Kansas; his nephew, Rick Stark of Medicine Lodge, Kansas; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Raymond Stark, and one nephew, D.J. Stark.