Gary L Stark's Obituary
Gary Lee Stark, 83, passed away in Kansas City, MO, Sunday September 14th surrounded by his loving family.
Gary was born September 18, 1941 in Powersville, MO, the third child of Don and Valora "Crawford" Stark. He grew up in Lucerne, MO which was the place he always called home. Gary attended school at Newtown High School graduating with the class of 1959. After graduation, he married Carol "Grabosch" and to this union two children were born, Jeff and Stacey. Gary served his Country as a Sergeant in the Army National Guard. The family made their home in Kansas City, MO where Gary was employed by UAW - General Motors until his retirement.
Gary was a man of few words, but he was so much more than that. He was a husband for 64 years to Carol. He was a father for 61 years to Jeff and Stacey. He was a grandpa for 38 years to Holli, Heather, Hunter and Trenton. He was a great grandpa for 14 years to Avery, Pierson, Olivia, and Penny. He was also a brother, hunter, fisherman, farmer, veteran and a stubborn man.
He was the ultimate family man, never missing an event. Every softball game, every soccer game, every football game, every graduation, and every wedding. He will be remembered for bringing zebra ice cream cones over for the kids, taking them to feed the ducks at the pond and playing school and being a bad student. Gary lived life with integrity like a gentleman's handshake and fierce love for his family. There is no greater life than that.
Gary is survived by his wife Carol Grabosch Stark of Kansas City, MO, his son Jeff Stark of KC, Mo and his daughter Stacey Stark Covington and son-in-law Joe Covington of Holt, Mo. Gary was blessed & is survived by his grandchildren: Holli Stark Knight & husband Chad Knight of Kearney, Mo. Heather Stark Schreiber and husband Chris Schreiber also of Kearney, MO. Hunter Covington and spouse John Krull of KC, Mo, Trenton Covington and his wife Jillian Covington of Riverside, Mo. Great- grandchildren Avery & Olivia Knight and Pierson & Penny Schreiber. Gary is also survived by his youngest sister, Sandra Stark Ross of Lucerne, MO, sister-in-law Janice Stark of Lucerne, MO, and sister-in-law Anita Stark of Kentucky plus countless numbers of nieces and nephews.
Gary was proceeded in death by his parents, brothers Donald & Dale Stark, oldest sister Phyllis Bascio, and brother-in-laws Jerry Ross and Joe Bascio.
A graveside service will be held Saturday September 20th, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Lucerne Cemetery in Lucerne, MO.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Gary's Honor to Hospice of Kansas City or the American Cancer Society and entrusted to Thomas Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th Street, Unionville, MO 63565.
What’s your fondest memory of Gary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gary?
Share a story where Gary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gary you’ll never forget.
How did Gary make you smile?