William (Bill) Polson Stark, Jr., 82, of Clinton passed away July 10, 2026.

Bill was born in French Camp, CA December 30, 1943, and grew up in Red Oak, OK. After graduating from Red Oak High School, Bill received his Bachelor of Science Degree at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK, his Master of Science Degree from North Texas State University, Denton, TX, and PhD from University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT.

Bill proudly served his country, enlisting in the US Army and performing a tour of duty in Chu Lai, Vietnam in 1969.

He was a lifelong educator internationally recognized for his extensive research of aquatic insects, particularly stoneflies, and served the majority of his career at Mississippi Christian University (formerly Mississippi College). During his tenure, he was recognized twice as Distinguished Professor of the Year and the Sadler Professor of Biology. He was named Professor Emeritus in 2023. He thoroughly enjoyed traveling with students and engaging young minds. His “Monarch Rescue” program was beloved by many Clinton Public School educators and students.

Bill was known for his keen, dry sense of humor, his love of music, and traveling. He particularly enjoyed watching Oklahoma University Sooners Athletics, reading Jane Austen novels and “fan fiction,” and photographing his beloved insects. He was a founding member of Clinton Community Nature Center and remained an active Trustee and volunteer until his death. He was a long-time member of Northside Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and faithfully sang in the church choir.

Predeceasing Bill were his parents, Bill and Bertie Stark, his brothers Jim Stark and John Stark, and sister Wanda Forbus. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lida (Lackey) Stark, his daughters René Roberts (Joey), and Edith Kennedy (Chris), grandsons Will Roberts and Jay E. Kennedy, and sister, Barbara Clark, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be Friday, July 17, 2026 at 10:00am at Northside Baptist Church, with Celebration of Life following at 11:30am. Private burial will be at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Newton, MS.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Clinton Community Nature Center, 617 Dunton Rd., Clinton, MS 39056.