Clarence J. “Babe” Stanko
Clarence J. “Babe” Stanko, age 85, resident of Colorado Springs since 2009 formerly of Centennial, Colorado, Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Pueblo, Colorado passed away on October 7, 2013.
Clarence was born on September 9, 1928 in Pueblo, Colorado. He attended Central High School and excelled in several sports which earned him a college scholarship to pursue a career in drafting. He chose to stay in Pueblo and start a family with his high school sweetheart, Mary “Toots” Barbick.
Clarence was a steel plant supervisor for Cobusco, later known as Penn Dixie Steel from 1945 until his retirement in 1978. He remained retired long enough for a cup of coffee and then followed a dream to work in a hardware store – which he did from 1978 to 1993 at Hugh M. Woods.
Early on, Babe’s hobbies and interests included golf, fishing, and rose gardening. Later he developed an interest in contract and tournament bridge. By far, he was most well-known for finely detailed ceramic paintings of figurines and miniature houses. He was also an accomplished cabinet maker.
When asked, Toots wanted everyone to know that Babe was a good man, a wonderful provider and caregiver to her during her declining health; “We had a happy life together.”
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Wynwood and LifeCare Center of Colorado Springs and Evercare Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the hospice of your choice.
He is survived by Toots, his wife of nearly 67 years. He is also survived by his daughters: Marge (Eric) Jumper, and Annie (John) Molzer; his grandchildren: John (Patty) Jumper, and Christine (Brad) Barnhorst; his great-grandchildren: Sara, Zoe, Ricky, Audrey, and Laura Jumper, and Marcy and Isabel Barnhorst. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emery and Vernie; and his brothers, Robert and Alvin.
Services will be on Friday, October 11, 10:00 a.m. at Holy Apostles Catholic Church, 4925 North Carefree Circle, Colorado Springs 80917. Private interment will be at Imperial Gardens Pueblo, Colorado at a later date.