Larry Gene Stites

Larry was born February 9, 1941 in Marion, Indiana to Lois and Harry Stites as a first child with a sister, Marcia, to arrive a few years later.

Growing up in Indiana, he loved working on his family farm, playing sports, partaking in Church Youth Group and 4H. He always held a great love of animals.

Larry graduated from Eastern High School in Greentown, Indiana in 1959. He then attended Purdue University and served in the Indiana National Guard.

Later in 1970, Larry met his spouse, Phyllis Palmer, in Indianapolis. They were married in 1971 in Findlay, Ohio.

Larry worked for RCA in Indianapolis before moving to Colorado Springs to work for Ford Aerospace and later Lockheed Martin as Senior Quality Assurance Engineer from where he retired.

Their only child, Heather, was welcomed in 1978. Larry was an amazing father and friend to Heather. She looked up to him for his kindness, work ethic, honesty, and strength, and she has carried those traits with her as pillars of the way to live life. He always made time to be present for all of her activities and achievements, and those sacrifices made a great difference in her trajectory. He was the best father a daughter could wish for and she will be forever grateful for the gift of him in her life.

Larry was a self-made electrician, mechanic, plumber, and gardener, and performed these skills so well - skills which helped establish their home. He was a very kind, talented, and hardworking man with a great sense of humor.

The family enjoyed camping, biking, and skiing in the Colorado outdoors. They also traveled to Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, and throughout the U.S.

Larry cherished all animals, which of course included family pets, Shonda, Shaman, and Punkie.

Larry is survived by his wife, Phyllis; and daughter, Heather (Ewen) North of Louisville, Colorado; and sister, Marcia (Clark) Mullen; a niece, Ann; and a nephew, Jack.

Larry is preceded in passing by his mother and father; and his nephew, Jay.

Larry will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Services will be held at a private family graveside service at a later date in Findlay, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to the Humane Society of the U.S., 1255 23rd St NW, Suite 450, Washington, D.C. 20037, or at humanesociety.org in Larry's name.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Swan-Law.com for the Stites family.