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Gary Starks Obituary
Gary L. Starks
69, from Beech Grove, passed away peacefully at home on March 18, 2014. Gary is survived by his loving wife, Pamela Starks; daughters, Dee Dee (Ryan) Horen and Donna (Jim) Kelly; son, Curtis (fiancée Bethany) Starks; mother, Lucille Starks-Dennis; and brother, David Alan Starks. He was Papaw to Jessica, Cameron, Brenna, Emily, Nathan, Zachary and Rylan. Visitation will be held at Little and Sons Stop 11 Chapel on Sunday, March 23, 2014 from 2-6 p.m. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, March 24, 2014 at Indian Creek Christian Church in Indianapolis at 10:30 a.m. with calling from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Olivet Foundations, c/o Roger Walter, 7935 Farina Way, Indianapolis, IN 46259. http://www.Littleandsonsindianapolis.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Starks
Ronald smock
May 11, 2014
My deepest condolences to Curtis and family smocks.
Jeff Ramsey
April 15, 2014
Mr. Starks was one of my favorite teachers at NPHS. He could relate to the students but also acted as a mentor and a very caring person. I hated to hear about his passing. A wonderful person.
Jeff Ramsey Class of 84
Mark Highsmith
April 10, 2014
My memories of Gary are quite colorfull. I remember at a sock hop one Friday he caught me with a girl from another school in a car in the parking lot. To say the least I wasn't to happy about it but I was probably 15 or 16 years old so he did me a favor. I remember him standing on one end of the football sled and having to push it in a compete circle (called a 360) He was not a small man and I had the weakest guy on my team helping me so he thought it was funny and really worked us hard. I took power mechanics and drafting from him and he taught us that it was a good path to being a success working with your hands instead of pushing papers behind a desk. I valued my time with him and can only say that it brings a smile to my face to think of ( Mr. Starks) Class of 1979
Jeremy Large
March 29, 2014
Great memories teaching with Gary! I always checked my schedule in August to see if I would have lunch with Gary. If I didn't have lunch with him, I tried to get it changed... Hanging out with Gary just made your day better. So many stories, jokes and laughs. Gary was a friend and a mentor. His legacy lives on in all those he touched as a Husband, Father, Grandfather, Teacher and Coach. That's what a great life is all about.
Eddie Acree
March 28, 2014
The loss of your beloved husband is a loss to literally thousands of students Gary had over the many years he taught at New Pal. I remember at one of our class reunions he told me he had kept some small item I had made in one of his classes. He even told me what it was. It made me realize how much his students meant to him.
Jan Lynam
March 28, 2014
Dear Starks Family,
Mr. Starks was a favorite teacher at New Pal. He was always cheerful and encouraging with his words. I remember calling him "Gentle Ben" when the girls were born-we considered them his cubs. A great person in so many ways. Peace be with you.
Sandy
March 28, 2014
I learned of Gary's passing through a relative of mine who lives in Indianapolis. I used to babysit your daughters when you lived next door to us on Hickory Road in Wanamaker. I can remember his smile to this day! Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Sandy (Morgan - maiden name)
Matthew Lanham
March 28, 2014
Mrs. Starks and family,
I was able to be a student of Mr. Starks from 1990-1994, He was a great teacher that made sure class was fun yet educational...... I am very sorry for your loss of a Great Man.
Della Suits
March 27, 2014
I had the pleasure to work with Gary as the ISTEP Instructional tutor. He was always a wonderful role model for the students. My deepest sympathies to you and your family at this time. May God bless you all. Della Suits
Mike Coons
March 26, 2014
Pam & Family - So sorry we could not make it to the showing or funeral. But Gary has been in our thoughts and prayers. We will always remember him for his quick smile, laugh and gentle manner. Our prayers will continue for you all, and our hope that God wraps you in His loving arms and you find comfort there.
Mike & Janet Coons and family
Cheryl Ramsay
March 26, 2014
Pam - I have no words to help you and your family at the sad time. Just know I am sorry for your loss and you are in my prayers.
Kristina Williamson
March 25, 2014
Pam and Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I was one of Gary's CNAs at Rosegate. Gary was one of my favorite residents along with his wife Pam. been thinking of you. god bless. Kristina Williamson
Cindy Dickey (McDougall)
March 25, 2014
Gary was by far my favorite teacher in high school. He taught me to drive, and started me in my life long career in the printing industry. He was more than a teacher and a mentor to me, I think of him often and will always remember the kindness he showed me at a very difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss.
Cindy McDougall
Nancy Jones Bolthouse
March 24, 2014
Pam, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. It has been so many years since we have seen each other, but those were fond times at Indiana Central. I am so sorry for your loss. May you find peace in your wonderful family.
LaVonne Kuntz-Coffer
March 24, 2014
I'm so very sorry I cannot be with you but my sincere condolences go out to Pam and the entire Starks family. Gary was what I always refer to as 'a gentle giant'....such a good, kind-hearted guy. I cherish the wonderful conversation the 3 of us had a couple of years ago, reminiscing about our high school days as well as our connection with NPHS. In the days to come, I hope the precious memories of happy times, as well as knowing all the lives he has touched in such a positive way, will bring you peace.
Kasey(Smith) and Josh Hege (class 01')
March 24, 2014
We were so sad to hear about Mr. Starks. He was a great man and teacher. We loved him! Mr. Starks was by far my husband's favorite teacher. Josh is thankful that he had the chance to run into him over the years several times in Beech Grove! He will be missed by many!
Chris Seifert
March 24, 2014
Gary was good friend and will be missed by many. I am honored to know him as a teacher, friend and fellow Boilermaker. Our thoughts and prayers are with Pam and his family on this day, rest in peace.
Betsy Morse
March 24, 2014
Gary was a wonderful educator, a tender man and always had a interesting view of life and its ups and downs. Gary was a positive influence on all who came in contact with him.
Rachel Thomas-Adams
March 23, 2014
Mr. Starks was such an inspiration to me as a student at New Palestine. He always had a smile on his face and had à gift of lifting others up to be the best they could be. He has a special place in the hearts of so many. To his family and friends...my deepest sympathy and prayers are with you.
Janet Stamper
March 23, 2014
Pam I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family.
March 23, 2014
I wish everyone Gary loved and everyone who was fortunate enough to be blessed by knowing him the peace that only comes from our Father.
Buz and Dee Koons
March 23, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Fred Bergman
March 23, 2014
God bless the Starks family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Bergman Family
March 23, 2014
Starks family, We are sorry to hear about the loss of Gary....keeping your family in our prayers. Our Deepest Sympathy The McShea Family
Mickey Williams
March 23, 2014
Dear Pam and Family,
I'm unable to attend in person, but want you to know you are in my thoughts at this sad time.
Gary was not only my great friend at school, but the closest neighborhood friend as well. My brother and I shared good times at his home on 17th Street in the 1950s, around the Grove, the Olympia Club, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in later years. He was a constant, reliable friend of the best kind. I am grieved at his loss.
March 23, 2014
Pam and Family, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Gary. I am working today and will not be able to attend. I just wanted you and your family to know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. My deepest sympathy.
Debbie Morgan Lewis and Benny Lewis
Edna Waynick Montcastle
March 23, 2014
Pam, I saw Gary's obituary in the paper online this morning. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I haven't seen you for years, but looking at your picture gallery, I can tell you and Gary shared the wonderful life you always wanted. My sincerest sympathy to you, and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mark Allen
March 23, 2014
Rest in Peace Gary
Mark & Susan Allen
Keith Graham
March 22, 2014
Gary has always treated me with nothing but kindness and respect over the 30 years he's know me. Looking forward in celebrating his life at his funeral.
Dave Irwin
March 22, 2014
Pam and family,
Sorry to hear the loss of Gary we had a lot of good times back in high school. I'm sure he will be missed. My deepest sympathy.
jeffery gary
March 22, 2014
Our prayers go to your family.
April Wright
March 22, 2014
Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Armola Coffman
March 22, 2014
My heart goes out to Pam, DeeDee, Donna, Curtis, his mother, and all of the grand children. Gary was one in a million. He was always there at New Palestine High School for the students, teachers, and staff with open arms and shoulders to lean on. What a friend he was to me and this I shall always cherish. Now our Lord has a beautiful and loving angel. Rest in peace in God 's loving arms, Gary.
Marilyn Green
March 22, 2014
Dear Pam and family
Larry and I are so sorry that we can not be there for Gary's service. He was such a wonderful friend for over 50 years and will be missed by all that knew him.
I am sure he will win all the TWIST contests in heaven.
Love and sympathy.
March 22, 2014
He always had a smile
Nancy Scott
Class of 77
Andrew Melton
March 21, 2014
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family, Mr. Starks was a great man and cared a lot about the kids in the school. It's very sad to see such a great man leave us so soon.
Susan Back
March 21, 2014
So very sorry for your loss. Everyone who loves sports know Gary. My family has gone through a great loss, still very fresh in our hearts. All friends will offer help...it's a good offer, so, draw on these offers. God bless your whole family. My heart goes out to you
Missy Story
March 21, 2014
I had the nicest run in with Mr Starks at the Art Museum a few years ago where we caught up and talked art and memories. I'm sad to learn of his passing, he always treated me well. My class with him was photography senior year with Alex Alonzo where he was always telling us to stop laughing at everything and pay attention. My favorite memory was when he pulled me aside and told me he thought I had a special talent for it. This helped build my confidence and played into my getting an art degree. He would also laugh that Scott? and I were obviously brother and sister because both of us like to skip steps for things he told us to do... we still don't follow directions well and fight authority from time to time. He told me he had a bunch of photo albums from all his time teaching - what a sight to see those must be. My step father Floyd Kirby graduated Beech Grove with him as well. I'm so sorry that I'm working both Sunday and Monday and will be unavailable to attend the service or funeral.
sandra merriman
March 21, 2014
So sorry for the loss, you are in my thoughts
Beverly Everling
March 21, 2014
Lucille, Pam and family,
My sincere condolences on your loss. What a great son,brother, husband, father and grandfather he was. I know you will miss him dearly. May you find comfort in your love for each other and for Gary.
Beverly Mackey Everling
Cathy Sutton
March 21, 2014
I worked with Gary at NPHS from 1987 to his retirement. He would often stop me in the hall to tell me some corny, slightly off colored joke. I'd either laugh or groan but he always cheered me up. The world will be a sadder place without him, but I can hear the angels chuckling now....
Your family is in my prayers.
Ray and Sally Dawson
March 21, 2014
I am so saddened with the news of the passing of my friend for so many years dating back to my first year of teaching at New Pal in 1973. To Pam and the children please take solace in the fact that Gary touched so many people in so many ways. All of you are in the prayers of both Sally and I.
Kristie Dawson Lowe
March 21, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. Gary was always so nice to me, he will be missed. Your family is in my prayers.
Greg Pitman
March 21, 2014
My father informed me of Gary's passing and it took me back to my time student teaching at New Pal 13 years ago. It seems like yesterday. Then I was reminded of the many times my parents and you (as well as the Shaffers) would bring all of your children together in the summer for outdoor adventures. I'll never forget those times and Gary's big heart, like when he helped mom and dad landscape at our new home in Fairland. Rest in peace Gary and God bless the Stark family.
Brant Petrey
March 21, 2014
My sympathies to your family, Mr. Starks was one of my favorite teachers at New Pal. He was a great teacher and mentor to me
Dave Scott
March 21, 2014
So very sorry to hear this. Thoughts and prayers to Gary's famly and friends. I will always remember him as a gentle giant of a man with a wonderful sense of humor and a keen mind. He was one of my teachers at NPHS and was always one of the "good guys." Pretty sure I took his printing class. I also remember the fall (of '68 or '69) when he would join a bunch of us students over at Mike Matthews house on Sunday afternoons for a pickup game of football. He was a great guy and will undoubtedly be missed by a great many. Godspeed, Gary. -- Dave Scott NPHS Class of '70
March 21, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to each member of the Starks family and to all that knew Gary. Robin Wethington
cathy hall
March 21, 2014
I have fond Memories of Mr Stark. He let me help out in the shop area during my Study Hall. Filing and stuff. He was a super sweet teacher and gave everyone the same treatment weather it be jock or not. My prayers go out to his family and friends.
Cathy NPHS graduate of 1990
Bart & Steph Austin
March 20, 2014
Much love and peace to you all.
March 20, 2014
May you feel secure in knowing Gary was dearly loved by all who knew him. We'll always remember our trip to New York City together and our family get togethers, especially on my dad's 90th birthday. Your cousins, Joyce & Bob, Mike & Stacey and Shellie and Andy Love to Aunt Anne.
Vicki Marsh
March 20, 2014
Gary's love for people, especially young people, impacted so many & their lives were definitely changed for good. Your faith & courage throughout the last few months not only gave Gary peace & solace, but also touched many as well. My sympathies to Pam, Dee Dee, Donna, Curtis & their loved ones. God will bless you all!
Cathi Webber
March 20, 2014
Your family is in my thoughts. Your father had such an impact on the lives of so many of us.
Cathi (Wilson) Webber
March 20, 2014
My prayers go out to the family of coach Starks. He is one of the coaches that touched my life in such a way as to make me want to go into teaching and coaching with the hope that I could be a positive influence in someone elses life as he was in so many of the lives of students and athletes at New Palestine high school. God bless coach Starks. I know he is giving God a big Hubba, Hubba, Hubba as he enters the gates of heaven.
Dennis Rippy ( Football, class of 74)
Linda Moeller
March 20, 2014
Pam so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
Liz Grimes
March 20, 2014
Pam, Dee Dee, Donna and Curtis -
I hope your faith brings you solace in the days to come. Gary was an amazing man that left a lasting impression on so many lives. Take comfort in the knowledge that he made great use of the time God gave him here on this earth and that he has left a wonderful legacy of love, honor and respect for all of you.
Chad and Michelle Mann
March 20, 2014
Take comfort in the fact that Gary touched the lives of so many during his time on Earth, through his teaching, coaching, family, and other numerous adventures. Your family is a wonderful example of what a family should be, and we know that will continue as you get through this difficult time. God bless you all.
Karen Beeson
March 20, 2014
Blessings to each of you for allowing Gary to cross over into eternal life with dignity, love and peace. He was among the quiet and courageous and did so much to make other's lives better. He will be missed. Prayers are going up for each of you. Now you can all be at peace knowing that he is in the loving arms of Jesus.
Jennifer Ingoldsby
March 20, 2014
Prayers and thoughts to Donna , Dee Dee and Curtis and Pam. He will forever be in your hearts and flying high over you watching you all!
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