Class of 1960
1960 Maroon Spotlight
Paul Bamberger
Band 57-60; Teen Town council 59-60; Home Room Vice President 57-59; Band President 58-59.
1960 Graduation EditionPerry Daily Journal
– 18 is the son of Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Bamberger, route 3, Perry. He was born Nov. 28, 1941, in Stillwater, and moved to Noble county in 1942. He has been a member of the band since 1957, was a member of Teen Town council this year and went out for wrestling in 1947-48. Paul was a homeroom vice president 1957-59, band president 1958-59, boys quartet this year. English assembly 1959-60, music assembly this year, was a member of the state’s first place trumpet quartet in 1957-58, sang with a mixed quartet this year, and was in the sophomore assembly 1957-58. Bamberger’s favorite subject is band, and his hobby is fishing. He plans to enroll at Oklahoma State university.
Paul James Bamberger
November 28, 1941 – April 1, 2025
Paul James Bamberger passed away peacefully at home in Wailuku, Hawaii, on April 1, 2025, surrounded by family.
Born on November 28, 1941, to Otto and Ada (Friedemann) Bamberger, Paul grew up on the family farm east of Perry, Oklahoma. A graduate of Perry High School in 1960, Paul earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from Oklahoma State University in 1965.
That same year, he married Marilyn Grant, and together they welcomed their daughter, Kelly Bamberger, in 1968.
Paul dedicated over four decades to Stillwater Milling Company, where he served as Vice President and board member. His contributions extended beyond the workplace, as he actively participated
in local and national agricultural associations and shared his expertise as a guest speaker in OSU agricultural classes.
In 1983, Paul married Julie (Lytle) Stark, embracing the role of stepfather to her sons, Michael and Tim.
Music remained a defining passion throughout Paul’s life. A gifted trumpet and keyboard player, he regularly shared his talent at church and nursing homes, and he proudly participated in the Perry High School and OSU marching bands. Paul was also a member of the legendary Mag 7 rock band, that played at Spav’s club in Stillwater in the 1960s. His home music room became a cherished space where he jammed with Kelly and Tim, later entertaining his granddaughters, Leilani and Tiara, as they sang Broadway tunes.
In 2002, Paul and Julie moved to Navarre, Florida, where he joined the “Not Ready for the Rapture Until We’ve Had More Rehearsal Gospel Band” at Gulf Breeze Presbyterian Church. Living on the bayou brought him great joy, including daily fishing. He also experienced the devastation of a hurricane storm surge in his home.
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1992, Paul faced his condition with grace and strength. As his symptoms progressed, Paul and Julie relocated to Maui to be near family. Surrounded by love and care, including support from Island Hospice, Paul remained at home until his passing.
Paul was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Louise Maxwell.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Julie; his daughter, Kelly Bamberger, of Nashville; stepsons, Michael Stark and wife Sai, and Tim Stark and wife Ladawan; grandchildren, Leilani Stark Hinojosa and husband Alan, Tiara Stark and fiancé Makana Pierce; great-granddaughter, Vaitea Balberdi; grandson, Jonathan Paul Stark, all of Maui; Jenjira Jura of Seattle, WA; Brook Jura and her son Addison of Thailand; and many cousins and extended family.
Celebrations of Paul’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Island Hospice, 820 Mililani St #400, Honolulu, HI 96813, Attn: Mark Imaizumi.