Born in Greenfield, Massachusetts on Sept. 14th, 1916, to Ralph M. Starkey and Florence Johnson Starkey, of Greenfield, Massachusetts. Both preceded him in death, along with his beloved step-father, Marshall L. Drew, of Orange; also, an infant sister, Naomi. Most recently deceased was his wife of 65 years, Dorothy K. Starkey.

Richard is mourned by his children: Richard Lawrence Starkey Mary of Orange; one daughter, Diana Lynn Borucki Gene of Camden, Tennessee; granddaughter, Laura Lynn Fulcher Scott of Latham, Tennessee; grandsons, Richard Wayne Starkey of Valdosta, Georgia, and Christopher Marshall Starkey of Orange; and Richard's sister, Faith, resides in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

Also grieving his loss are his granddaughters by marriage, Donna Trussell of Bella Vista, Arkansas, Tammi Gotreaux of Atlanta, Georgia and Robin Allison of Tyler; eight great-grandchildren; and two great great-grandchildren.

He was a retired Paper Mill Superintendent from Owens-Illinois, Orange. He was a Mason and Deacon of North Orange Baptist Church. He was active in church work and loved helping prepare meals for the church suppers. Yard work was a popular hobby of Richards. He always enjoyed visiting the sick and shut-ins, and was loved by many. He will be greatly missed by young and old.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 3, 2010, at North Orange Baptist Church with Reverend Lynn Ashcraft officiating. Burial will follow at Orange Forest Lawn in West Orange.

Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial donations to be made to North Orange Baptist Church Library 4775 North 16th Street Orange, TX 77632-1212.