Gerald Wayne Starks

Memorial service for Gerald Starks will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 14, 2024 at Gillette Memorial Chapel with Chaplain Gordon Harper officiating. Gerald Wayne Starks "Garry" 65 of Wright, WY with family members by his side passed away quietly on May 16, 2024 at Campbell Memorial Hospital losing his battle with cancer. Garry was born on November 3, 1958 in Strong City, Kansas to Garland and Dorothy (Peoples) Starks. His mother later married Wayne Hett after the passing of Garland. Garry graduated from Cherryvale High School in 1977. He was active in football, track, and FFA. He attended Fort Scott Community College where he was a member of the Livestock judging team that placed very well at The Cow Palace. During his time at college, he met and married his wife Karen Lucke on November 22, 1978. They were married for over 45 years and blessed with 5 children and 9 grandchildren. He worked for different farmers and ranches in Kansas and Wyoming. They moved to Wheatland, WY in 1991. Then in 1999 Garry and Karen moved to Wright, WY where Garry worked for North Rochelle Mine and Black Thunder Mine, which he retired from 5 years ago. After retiring he ran cows in Kansas before selling them due to his health. Garry especially enjoyed his time in the wilderness elk hunting with his family. He loved hunting, fishing, kayaking and riding horses. He was able to experience hunting in Africa, halibut fishing off the coast of Alaska, combat fishing for red salmon on the Kenai Peninsula and tuna fishing off the coast of Mexico. He enjoyed telling stories about his many adventures, sometimes (always) you would hear the same story more than once. Garry was preceded in death by his father Garland Starks, mother Dorothy Hett, stepfather Wayne Hett, sister Connie Starks, brother-in-law Ray Smith, father-in-law Leonard Lucke, and mother-in-law Joyce Lucke. Garry is survived by his wife Karen Starks, as well as his children Travis (Sarah) Starks, Bryan (Katie) Starks, Karri (William) Holmes, Kindra (Todd) Small, Jarred (Rachel Stevens) Starks and nine grandchildren, Morgan Rusty, Cody, Kadence, Justin, Mary, Teagan, Tate and Fletcher. He is also survived by his sisters Susan (John) Hardesty, Marcia (Scott) Martin, Wendy (Paul) Keplinger, Markel (Steven) Porter; aunts Anne Marie Green and Rosalie Wedell. Along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Garry will be missed by his family and friends. He will be missed by many. It Was One Heck Of A Ride! Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5^th Street, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be expressed at www.gillettememorialchapel.com