Dwaine Stark

Dwaine Alex Stark 82, of Canton passed away after a brief illness at Tranquility Hospice on April 28, 2021.

Dwaine was born at home and grew up in Wagoner Oklahoma.  The spirit of this small rural setting helped shape his strong personality and unique character.  As he grew into adulthood he worked with his father, in the family business of car repair, honing his skills as a mechanic.

Dwaine was ambitious and had a vision of growing his knowledge and attended both Oklahoma State University and Northeastern State Universities.  While in school, he met and fell in love with Joan Little. They married in 1960, having a wonderful 60 years together.

After graduating from school, Dwaine became a teacher.  But once again Dwaine’s ambitious nature took hold and he decided to use his “gift for gab” combined with his passions for chemistry and math to become a pharmaceutical salesman for Marion laboratories.  He found the perfect match!  Dwaine spent many successful years growing his career and building life-long friendships at Marion Laboratories.  This career path, however, came at the price of frequent transfers and relocating his growing family.  Thus, he decided to put down roots in Atlanta and open his own printing business from which he retired.

Not to be idle, Dwaine worked several other jobs after retirement staying busy and challenging himself. There are other elements that added to Dwaine’s uniqueness.   From being a tribal member of the Cherokee Nation, to his passion for playing golf, adding in some technology tinkering, with a strong dose of pride for his boys and finally adding the love of grandchildren…. Dwaine had the complete recipe for a full and engaging life.

Dwaine is survived by his wife Joan, his sons Patrick and Michael, his grandchildren Murphy and Ireland and his sister Polly (Underwood).  And while these are his immediate family members, Dwaine positively influenced so many others via his AA “family” after becoming sober over 29 years ago.  For everyone that knew him, his presence will be sorely missed.

A visitation will be held Monday May 3, 2021 from 10:00am until 1:00pm with a funeral service and interment beginning at 1:00pm, all at Canton Funeral Home and Cemetery at Macedonia Memorial Park.

Canton Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of  Dwaine Stark.