Larry Stark Obituary

Stark
Larry L.
Stark
July 27, 1935
July 19, 2022

Larry was a kind, generous, and loving husband and father. He died, at almost 87, on June 19, 2022 after his body was weakened from two surgeries and infection. We will miss him terribly.
Though he and his wife, Joy (nee Smith), had both grown up in La Junta, CO, they met for the first time in 1959 when Joy's friends suggested she go to Stark's Furniture (Busy selling good furniture since 1897!) to meet him. Three weeks later they flew to Las Vegas to be married. They've been a team all these last 63 years, and he died at home in Joy's arms.
They raised three children: Lori Stark (Michael Barry), Brad Stark (Carey Stark, nee Wall) and Rick Stark (Ricki Stark, nee Gentile), and enjoy five grandchildren: Lila (Lori and Michael); Rick, Jake, and Hope (Brad and Carey), and Paris Joy (Rick and Ricki). Larry was also very fond of Joy's family, particularly her sister, Bettie White (Richard) and their children Scott White (Kerry) and Amy Tanabe (Kevin) and their grandchildren and great grandchildren; and her sister Judy Spaulding (Jim). Larry also loved his nephews Mid (deceased), Brian and Randy. Larry was preceded in death by his parents F.M. Stark and Mary Louise Stark, and his brother Edwin Stark.
Larry graduated from the University of Colorado (Phi Delta Theta fraternity) and studied interior design in NYC. He then began working with his father and brother in the family business, Stark's Furniture, in La Junta, which they eventually moved to Colorado Springs. Larry had a keen mind. He developed a cutting-edge computer software system to manage their business. Soon, the family decided to close the furniture business and start a software company, PROFITsystems. In all these pursuits, he worked alongside his sons, brother, nephews and countless friends, just as he had with his father in the earlier days.
However, he did often say that the best job in the world would be a taste-tester for Sara Lee.
He was an accomplished skier and would always offer to "do the deal" with his kids—he'd carry our skis, and we'd carry his poles. He was unfailingly patient and generous. He liked to bicycle, watch the Broncos, host large family gatherings, and especially to travel. Larry and Joy loved to go places, often with Rick, Ricki and Paris, and Joy's dear sister Bettie White and her husband, Richard. They traveled to Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, Dubai, South Africa, and many other destinations.
He and Joy went on group hiking/walking vacations where Larry was always well-liked by new acquaintances. On one of these trips, the group was playing the "two truths and a lie" game. Larry won easily because his "truth" was that he had danced with a snake in his mouth (while in the Koshares in La Junta).
An announcement for a memorial service will be made when the plans are known.