Eugene Cassius Stark, Jr.

Brother Eugene Cassius Stark, Jr. took his first breath on October 16, 1946, in the small community of Hester, Louisiana, to Eugene and Emma Richardson Stark. He was the sixth son born into this growing family. 

 Eugene was raised on Welham Plantation in St. James Parish by parents who loved and feared God. They instilled in him the importance of having a relationship with God, and from an early age, he accepted Christ and committed to serving Him. He often reminisced about his baptism in the Mississippi River by Reverend Samuel Jones in 1961. Eugene cherished the fellowship of the saints at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Paulina, Louisiana, until he left for military service. He frequently sang Zion songs with his family on various occasions, and the spirit he took with him guided him through many trials and temptations.

 Eugene was united in Holy Matrimony to Bunnie Powell in December 1970. The Lord blessed them with one daughter, KasSaundra, who stole their hearts and became their only heartbeat.

 Eugene attended school in Paulina, Louisiana, until the family moved to Lutcher, Louisiana, where he continued his education and graduated from Lutcher High School in 1965. After graduation, he attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He halted his college years and joined the United States Air Force in 1968, where he was stationed on several overseas bases. His most noted base was in Vietnam, where he worked in the hospital. After returning to the United States, he was stationed at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, Texas. Upon completing two tours in the Air Force, Eugene received an Honorable Discharge. He later joined the Army Reserves, where he served for nineteen years, retiring in June 1996. He planted his family in Austin, Texas.

 Eugene then began working with what is now Capital Metro as a route driver. He later became a supervisor and later Safety Director. He was very instrumental in setting up the Special Transit system. It was during his time with Capital Metro that the love of over the road driving became a passion. After retiring from Capital Metro, Eugene joined the Kerrville Bus Company in San Antonio as a driver. Kerrville was later incorporated with Coach USA, and Eugene remained a driver. His greatest joy was being a Charter Driver. It was during this time that he met and formed a deep friendship with the chartered parties. On some charters, Reverend Bunnie could accompany him, and they enjoyed the trip, marking it as their special time together. Brother Eugene remained with Coach USA until his retirement.

Eugene joined his wife in her pastoral ministry, and they served for twenty-seven years. He was very active in the churches where they were assigned. He sang in the choir, served as Trustee Pro-Tem, freely gave of his time and talent to ensure the church grounds and property were kept, and fully supported his wife in every area of ministry. His greatest joy was becoming a Kingsman in the Women’s Missionary Society during the Episcopal Leadership of Supervisor Stan McKenzie. Brother Eugene was called on to be the driver for Bishop Vashti McKenzie, Supervisor Stan and Bishop A. J. Richardson when they held meetings in Austin, and he took great pride in being asked.

 Eugene was a helper and counted it not robbery to help whenever and wherever he could. His culinary skills were shared with the congregations where they served and in the community. During the Pandemic, Brother Eugene and Reverend Bunnie were instrumental in distributing over 5,000 lbs of food in the Taylor and Austin areas. He served with the Nehemiah Ministry in the Austin Capital District as they repaired church properties in the Austin Capital District. Eugene was never idle; he was always busy building or designing a new project. It was not uncommon to come home and find a new shelf, window, door, and even a new room. 

 This God-fearing man had a contagious smile that would fill the room; his love for his family and his community would linger forever. 

 Eugene smiled the last time on Thursday, October 31, 2024, when his earthly life and journey were finished. Jesus helped him to cross that river. He is preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Emma Richardson Stark, brothers McKinley Smith, Edward Smith, Wilbert Smith, and Joseph Richardson, and sister, Doretha Williams.

Eugene’s priceless journey will be celebrated by his wife of fifty-four years, Reverend Bunnie Stark; his daughter, KasSaundra Stark-Ringer and her husband, Lloyd; his brother Allen Stark of Lutcher, Louisiana; his sister, Jessie Mae Jacques of Brooklyn, New York; numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends including the Grant Worship Center family.

Eugene Cassius Stark, 78, of Austin, passed away Thursday, October 31, 2024. Friends and Family will gather for Visitation at Elgin Funeral Home, Friday, November 8th from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. A Celebration of Brother Eugene's life will be held at Grant AME Worship Center of Austin on, Saturday, November 9th at 3:00 PM with Reverend Dr. Sylvester Delany Patton, III and Reverend Pamela R. Rivera of the Austin Capital District, presiding.  Interment will follow on Wednesday, November 13th at Central State Texas Veteran Cemetery in Killeen with Military Honors.