Governor Lloyd Crow Stark

LLOYD C. STARK was born in Louisiana, Missouri on November 23, 1886. His early education was attained in the public schools of his native state. He later attended the U.S. Naval Academy, where he graduated in 1908. After serving four years as a naval officer, Stark went into the family business, the Stark Brothers Nurseries. During World War I, he rose to the rank of major in the U.S. Army, and fought overseas in the northern France offensive. Stark first entered politics as general-chairman of the Citizens Road Bond Committee, a position he held in 1928. He next secured the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor on November 3, 1936. He was inaugurated on January 11, 1937. During his tenure, he chaired the U.S. Governor’s Conference, as well as presiding over the Council of State Governments. Also, interstate trade barriers were eliminated; the state deficit was reduced; a Kansas City police bill was authorized; governmental corruption and organized crime was curtailed; and child welfare laws were improved. After completing his term, Stark left office on February 26, 1941 and retired from political life. Governor Lloyd C. Stark passed away on September 17, 1972, and was buried in the Riverview Cemetery in Jefferson City, Missouri.