Lawrence "Larry" Starks

Lawrence Devere Starks (aka Larry, Poppi, and Dib), age 77, passed away May 14th, in Apple Valley, CA, following a prolonged illness. He leaves his wife of 54 years, Mary Rose (Arthur) Starks; his daughters Tracye Marie Veal and Laura Jeanne Crawford, son Stephen Duane (Debbie Montgomery) Starks; grandchildren Candice Marie (Jason) Webb, Jennifer Lynn Veal, James Aaron Crawford, Anthony Duane (Ai) Crawford, and Samantha Anne (Travis Brantley) Cardwell; great grandchildren Evan Keith Webb, Nolan Lawrence Webb, Aaliyah Juna Crawford, and Emmett Ashton Brantley; and sisters Phyllis Starks (Chicago, IL), Charlotte (Ab) Frazier-Bey (Columbus, IN), Doris Starks (Muncie, IN), and Barbara Starks (Chicago, IL). He is preceded in death by his parents and four brothers Robert, George Jr., Thomas, and Norman. Larry was born August 3rd, 1937 in Columbus, IN to George and Florence Starks. He was the second oldest of nine children. He attended elementary school in Grammer, IN, graduated from Columbus Indiana High School in 1955, and served a short time in the US National Guard. In August 1955, Larry joined the US Air Force and served for 20 years, retiring at George AFB in Victorville and moving to Apple Valley, CA. He attended Victor Valley College and earned his AA degree. Before starting his own business, “Larry’s Touch-Up” Furniture Repair, he worked at Rodman’s Home Furnishings, and a short time at Desert View Mortuary. Larry had a passion for road trips, travel, politics, and spending time with friends and family. His favorite camping locations included Yellowstone, Death Valley, Quartzite, Salton Sea, Utah, and Arizona. He was known for spontaneous road trips from Disneyland to San Francisco. He was a member of the Masons, VFW Squadron 6552 in Apple Valley, and the Lions and Lioness Clubs of Victorville in District 4L5. He repeatedly held several important positions and titles within each organization. Services will be held at Desert View Memorial Park in Victorville, Friday, May 22nd at 2:00 pm. Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, May 21st, from 4:00 – 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the name of Larry Starks to the Victorville Lions & Lioness Clubs, P.O. Box 812, Victorville, CA 92393.