D. E. “Red” Starkey, Jr.

D. E. "Red" Starkey, Jr.
D. E. “Red” Starkey, Jr.

D. E. “Red” Starkey passed away peacefully at the VA Hospital in Amarillo, TX on January 28th, 2020 at the age of 85.

Memorial services will be at 10:00 A.M. Friday, January 31, 2020 at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

Red Starkey was born March 5, 1934 to Florence and D. E. Starkey in Norwalk, Ohio.  He was the second of two children.

Red Starkey left home at an early age working odd jobs for a couple of years.  Ultimately, he decided to join the Marine Corps.  He served our country from 1953 to 1956.  When he was discharged from the Marine Corps, he decided to follow his passion and become a pilot.  He enrolled in Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida and earned his pilot’s license.  He worked many years as a private pilot working for many companies and hired by several individuals flying all over the world.  Eventually he became an instructor pilot and started crop dusting in Dumas, TX.  After several years as an instructor and spray pilot, a few crashes and several close calls as a spray pilot he decided to hang up his wings.

Red worked a few different jobs until he decided to become self-employed.  He became a sign painter and worked construction until his early 70’s and his body could no longer take the grind.   At this point he fell back on his supervisory skills instructing his children and grandchildren how to complete home improvement projects he was asked to help with.  The majority of the time you didn’t even need to ask for his help, he was more than willing to tell you how to get the job done.

Red Starkey is preceded in death by his father and mother Deforest and Florence Starkey, and wife Mildred.

He is survived by his wife, Carole Godinez; sister, Irma Jean and Edward Dunn; sons and daughters, Sam and Janie Starkey, Sharon Juarez, Dee and Jennifer Starkey, Daniel and Corrine Mcinturff, Mark and Christine Godinez, Ray and Kelly Rael, Pete Godinez, Ben Godinez, Danny and Cathy Haire, Elgin and Laurie Godinez; 35 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

In lieu of flowers the family requests you make donation to the Thomas E. Creek VA Medical Center.

5 Replies to “D. E. “Red” Starkey, Jr.”

  1. He was such a great man, known him all my life I wish I could be their today for hos family whom I love them all with all my heart

  2. I sure am going to miss my grandpa Red! I’m going to miss walking into the house and not seeing him sitting in his chair and always ask me what I’m doing. I’m so happy my grandpa is not longer in pain and flying with the Angel’s especially my sister Jackie K. I love you so much Grandpa Red. Until we meet again!

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