Robert Stark: aviator and locksmith
Nearly 36 years ago, Robert Stark left Ponca City, Oklahoma, to build a life in Olney. His life revolved around his job at Olney Municipal Airport, where he worked until his death. As airport manager and an Federal Aviation Administration safety officer, Stark was considered the go-to guru for many projects during his tenure, including overseeing multiple improvements. Most of his friends who knew him well said that Stark would probably say his greatest accomplishment was the lasting friendships he made with his co-workers, which is why they decided to honor him by spreading his ashes over the place he loved the most.
Stark also was influential outside of the airport. He performed the maintenance on the airplanes for Keeter Aerial Spraying. The owner, Jerry Keeter, reflected on Stark’s character.
“We were pretty good buddies. I have known him forever. Bob is just a good guy and extremely intelligent. There is nothing he can’t do,” Keeter said. “The airport was in life. He loved avionics. As he grew older, it became more difficult for him to climb inside the planes, so he started locksmithing.”
Air Tractor President Jim Hirsch said he knew Stark for 28 years and touted him as a great advocate for general aviation. He laughed while reminiscing about the time the two of them hopped in Stark’s plane to help the Sheriffs locate a fugitive.
“That’s the kind of guy Bob was; he was always very helpful. He has helped me many times with airplane certification efforts, and he also helped me with maintenance and inspections of my personal airplanes for many years. He and I also worked together to design a few neat things. I don’t think a lot of people know about all of his credentials,” Hirsch said. “He had pilots and mechanics ratings. He was an Federal Aviation Administration (Federal Aviation Administration) certified airframe and powerplant mechanic and an FAA-certified aircraft inspector. He had several Federal Aviation Administration designations and awards.”
Hirsch commented about two of Stark’s awards--The Wright Brothers Master pilot Award—the most prestigious award that the Federal Aviation Administration issues to pilots that are Title 14 certified and who have demonstrated skill and aviation expertise for a minimum of 50 years. And the Charles Taylor Master mechanic Award, which recognizes the lifetime accomplishments of senior mechanics.
In the Sept. 22, 2005, issue of Olney Enterprise, Stark’s accolades included his appointment as a Designated Engineering Representative of the Federal Aviation Administration with a specialty in electrical, instrumental arrangement and associated areas and a Designated Airworthiness Representative, “issuing various airworthiness certificates, special flight permits and export certificates on behalf of the Federal Aviation Administration.”
With more than 14,000 flight hours, Stark earned respect in the avionics industry. Although many people did not refer to him as Dr. Stark, he earned a Ph.D. from MIT. The executor of his estate, G.W. Trotter, recalled how Stark got involved with locksmithing, stating that the Federal Aviation Administration requires continuing education, but when Stark attempted to study locksmithing as part of his continuing education, the Federal Aviation Administration said no, and Stark responded with, “Well, airplanes have locks don’t they?” So, at the age of 55, he learned how to become a locksmith, and three years later, he opened the Robert G. Stark Locksmith Company. According to his executor, Stark earned more money as a locksmith than he did with planes. He also recalled how Stark started working with airplanes.
“Bob was a photographer for the U.S. Navy, and while flying with the pilot and co-pilot who became intoxicated and couldn’t land the plane. Bob had never flown an aircraft before, but he landed the aircraft and parked it. The next day his commandeer called him in after hearing about the incident. He told him that he was going to learn airplanes,” he said.
There are so many stories about Dr. Robert Stark that have become part of his legacy. These memories remind us who he was and what he has contributed to our community as a business professional, an entrepreneur, a pilot, a flight instructor and most importantly, a friend. He will be missed but not forgotten.