Herbert C. Stalker, born in Great Barrington on July 8, 1929, passed from this world on July 15, 2024.
Early in his working years, Herbert was a jockey, racing a circuit in Rhode Island and New York. In 1949, he joined the Army National Guard, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was an active member of the American Legion post in New Marlborough.
On April 1, 1950, Herbert married Barbara E. Richard, and the two were married 54 years until her death in 2004.
Herbert was an active member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, working in road and pipeline construction. However, in the 1960s he trained and showed Morgan horses and Mastiff dogs. The highlight came in 1969 at the Westminster Dog Show when he won “Best of Breed” with the dog he showed.
Herbert was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, his daughter Bonnie, and his sister Marie. He is survived by his sister Alma Stalker; his companion Anitia Gochey; his daughter Candace and her husband Peter B. Marks; three grandchildren, Kelly and John Trierweiler, Betsy and Andrew Seward, and Peter H. Marks; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
A graveside service with Military Honors will be held on Wednesday, July 24, at 10 a.m., in Lee Memorial Cemetery in Southfield, with Reverend Regina King officiating. Birches-Roy Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be made through the funeral home’s website.
