Joel Samuel Stark

Joel Samuel Stark, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on September 28, 2026, in Arlington, Texas, at the age of 71. He was born on July 23, 1955, in New York City to Mortimer Morris Stark and Paula Lee Stark.

Joel was the devoted husband of Cindy Payne Stark of Carthage, Texas. The two were married in 1985 and remained together for more than four decades until his passing. Joel and Cindy built a life centered around family, friendship, and service to their community.

Joel and Cindy were blessed with two daughters. Sarah Abigail “Abby” Stark Storms, of Dallas, Texas, is married to Jeffrey Daniel Storms, and they have three children: Whitten Davis Storms, age 9; Winslow Payne Storms, age 7; and Walker Hayes Storms, age 5. Amy Lee Stark Womble, of Fort Worth, Texas, is married to Ethan Thomas Womble, and they have three children: Hollis Rand Womble, age 5; Major Luke Womble, age 3; and Birdie Lee Womble (expected any day now). Joel was a loving and devoted grandfather who took great joy in being involved in the lives of his grandchildren and in making memories with them!

Joel graduated from the University at Buffalo in Buffalo, New York. Following college, he began what would become a remarkable career with American Airlines as a flight attendant. He remained with the airline for more than 40 years, building a career that took him around the world and introduced him to people and places few ever have the opportunity to experience. Among the many exotic destinations and foreign countries he visited, his favorite places were Hawaii and Germany. Over the course of his travels, Joel met countless people from all walks of life, including celebrities, professional athletes, and other well-known figures. He accumulated a lifetime of stories from those experiences and was always happy to share them with family and friends. During his career with American, Joel received numerous awards for innovative cost-saving ideas that the company implemented. It was his work with American that ultimately brought Joel to Texas, where he met Cindy. Their meeting began the partnership and family that would become the center of his life.

Outside of work, Joel was active, curious, and always interested in the world around him. He loved playing golf and remained physically active. He especially enjoyed traveling with Cindy, their daughters, their grandchildren, and extended family. He also treasured spending time with friends and those closest to him. Joel loved sports and was a devoted fan of the Dallas Stars, Texas Rangers, and Dallas Cowboys (in good times and in bad!).

Joel's inventive and entrepreneurial spirit was another distinctive part of his life. At one point, he invented a snow-skiing product called “Skidaddle,” for which he obtained a patent. The invention reflected the creativity and curiosity that characterized so much of Joel's life. Joel had a naturally inquisitive mind and took a genuine interest in current events, both locally and around the world. He was knowledgeable about what was happening around him and was always eager to discuss the news and important issues with family, friends, and others. Conversations with Joel could cover almost anything, and he was never short of an opinion, an observation, or a story (some of them even true).

Joel and Cindy shared a deep commitment to helping others through their volunteer work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. For many years, they served as “Wish Granters,” helping fulfill the wishes of children facing critical illnesses. Through this work, Joel and Cindy were able to bring happiness, memorable experiences, and hope to many children and their families.

Joel’s family expresses their heartfelt appreciation to Joel’s caregiver, Lucy Cumby, for the exceptional care, kindness, and love she gave Joel during his final year of life. Lucy brought comfort, companionship, and joy to his days, and Joel loved and deeply enjoyed her presence.

Joel is survived by his wife, Cindy; his daughters, Abby and Amy; his sons-in-law, Jeffery Storms and Ethan Womble; his five grandchildren, Whitten, Winslow, Walker, Hollis, and Major; his brother-in-law, Jon Zarrett; his niece Meredith Paulin, her husband, Chad, and their daughters, Kaela, Emalie, and Brooklyn; his nephew Adam Zarrett, his wife, Gretchen, and their son, Beckley; his in-laws, Randal and Christie Rose; his niece Cammy Kennedy, her husband, Matthew, and their daughters, Mackenzie and Madison; and his nephew Alan Rose, his wife, Katie, and their daughters, Parker and Landry.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mortimer and Paula Stark; and his sister, Marcia Zarrett.

Joel will be remembered for his love of family, his adventurous spirit, his curiosity about the world, his enthusiasm for sports and travel, his many stories and experiences, and his willingness to share his time and energy with others. Above all, he will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who took great pride and joy in his family. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories and will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A memorial service for Joel Stark will be held on Friday, October 2, at 10:00 AM, at Wade Funeral Home, 4140 West Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, Texas 76013. In keeping with Joel’s bright personality and his love of color, family and friends are encouraged to wear colorful attire to the service to reflect the joy and vibrancy Joel brought to those around him. Contributions in memory of Joel may be made to Make-A-Wish North Texas.