Larry Sturgess (Tulia)

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Tulia, Texas—Larry Bradford Sturgess passed away peacefully on Friday, May 29, 2020, at the age of 77. Larry was born on June 9, 1942, in Dimmitt, Texas, to the late Morgan and Idella Sturgess following their arrival from Southwestern Oklahoma to the Texas Plains, with older brother Jerry in tow. His family soon moved to Tulia, Texas, where they farmed, became active members of the Church of Christ, and welcomed daughters Elaine, Lanette, and Roxanne.

Larry was active in FFA and Rodeo Club during his high school days, where bull riding began the trail of broken bones throughout his life. The vocational foundation of these organizations continued to enrich his career in farming and ranching. He had a short stint as an orange farmer with an orchard in Arizona during the 1960’s, and his rodeo days turned more to recreation during calf roping events in mid-life. During the late 1970’s, Larry was named one of the top corn producers in Texas for several consecutive years, but while corn was an early focus, changing resources led to growing more cotton, wheat, and sorghum for the majority of his life. Cattle balanced crops during Larry’s career, as beef was always part of the mix – whether in Texas, New Mexico, or Colorado. He recently planted this year’s cotton crop in late April. He was also a director at the First State Bank of Tulia during Hiram Jordan’s tenure and served on the Swisher County Appraisal District Board.

Larry loved and appreciated a broad group of friends from childhood to more recent years. He had many hobbies and interests, from his faith, reading, skiing, hunting, or playing the occasional game of pool or poker. He was a licensed pilot at a young age, ultimately allowing the license to expire when providing for a larger family became his focus. During his children’s formative years, hitting the slopes or joining friends at Lake Mackenzie for skiing were regular family activities. As with rodeo Larry was a bit of a daredevil on skis, continuing a trail of broken bones. The man had 9 lives; we were fortunate to have him, as long, as we did. He also ventured with friends on annual camping and hunting trips to Colorado for several consecutive years in the 1970’s and 80’s, but he mostly acted as a non-professional guide and companion for bird and hog hunts with his grandsons later in life. He served as a high school Sunday school teacher and faithful member of the Central Church of Christ.

Larry is survived by his wife of 51 years, Penelope (Penny) Ann Rogers Sturgess; 3 daughters, Amber Sturgess of Carmel, Melanie and son-in-law Mark Beedy of Lubbock, and M’Lynda Moss of Tulia; and a son, Biff Sturgess of Dallas, three sisters: Elaine Wakefield and husband Larry of Willow Park, Lanette Roach of Tulia and Roxanne Toney and husband Joe of Levelland and one brother: Jerry Sturgess and wife Gwynette of LaRue. He is also survived by 2 granddaughters and grandsons-in-law, Lauren and Kyle Embry and Lindsey and Will Lowry; and 3 grandsons and granddaughters-in-law, Kate and J.W. Nobile, Jordan and Taylor Beedy, and Anna Kate and Jace Nobile. 7 great-granddaughters, Audry, Eloise, Kadi Jai, Elle, Brynlee, Madeleine, Claire; and 3 great-grandsons, Colton, Carson, and Brooks. He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Chase Mitchell. A small, family memorial service will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, June 2, at the Central Church of Christ in Tulia, followed by a graveside service at Rose Hill Cemetery with Pastor Tim Johnson and Elder Toby Brown officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to the High Plains Children’s Home and Children’s Home of Lubbock. We welcome memorial stories and photos at lifeweb360.com/larry-sturgess, since a larger public service is not possible during the current pandemic.

Online condolences may be made at www.kornerstonefunerals.com.