Dr. Floyd James “Jay” Lark of Goodwell, Oklahoma passed into eternal life September 29, 2015, in Amarillo, Texas.
He is survived by his loving wife of almost 47 years, Sue, of Goodwell; daughter Ivy and son-in-law Brad Griffey of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; son Stephen Lark and daughter-in-law, Amy Costner-Lark, of Edmond, Oklahoma; daughter Jennifer Lark, of Oklahoma City; granddaughter Lara Grace Lark, of Edmond; brothers Stanley and Ed Lark; sisters Sharon Hayes, Sylvia Clark, Sue Smith, Sheila Gray, and Shirley Stroik; one special aunt, Ruth Elaine Begio; and many beloved relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Margaret Lark, brothers William and John Lark, and sister Sharlene Morgan.
Born on September 15, 1941, Jay grew up in Raton, New Mexico, with a flock of siblings and cousins. He worked, played, and found all kinds of mischief in the mountains that always felt like his home.
He earned a doctorate and taught on both the high school and college levels, finishing his career with 27 years as director of Agricultural Education at Oklahoma Panhandle State University. Known as “Doc” to his students, he was a passionate teacher and especially enjoyed road trips to national competitions and conferences. He sought out students who did not have family nearby and usually invited them home for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. He created opportunities to teach every day of his life.
Jay was an active member of Panhandle Centenary United Methodist Church in Goodwell, where he served as the lay leader, taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, visited shut-in friends, and served in any way he could for 35 years. He lived his faith and brought many people closer to God.
Jay never met a stranger and was famous for striking up conversations with anyone he came across. He had a special love for animals, from pet dogs to horses, and every single cow, bull, and steer in the Five State area.
Jay was involved in a variety of organizations including the Goodwell Lions Club, Oklahoma Retired Educators Association, and the United Methodist Men. He also served on the Goodwell Volunteer Fire Department for more than 20 years.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jay’s life on Saturday, October 3 at Panhandle Centenary United Methodist Church in Goodwell at 11 a.m. Jay will be laid to rest in the Johnson Mesa Cemetery near his childhood home in Raton, New Mexico, at 4 p.m. on Saturday afternoon.
Jay’s family requests memorial donations to Panhandle Centenary United Methodist Church or the Oklahoma Panhandle State University Foundation, in lieu of flowers. Services are under the direction of Henson-Novak Funeral Directors in Guymon, Oklahoma.
