William Starnes

On May 29th, 2023 – William H. Starnes’ spirit returned to be with God after his earthly body lost its battle with Cancer at Timberlake Care Center – Kansas City, MO.

William H Starnes, affectionately known as “Pawpaw” or “Bill” to his grandchildren, friends, and family. He was born on June 1st, 1935, in Vian, Oklahoma to the union of Perry and Irene Starnes (Tillman, Dowdy).

He was preceded in death by his wife Merlie Lee Starnes, parents Perry and Irene Starnes (Tillman-Dowdy), daughter Stacey Starnes (Diggs), sisters Odessa Clark, Mary Linda Starnes, Ruby Mosely, Thelma Starnes - Irby and brother Sam Starnes, grandson Melvin Slaughter and great grandson Jordan Adams.

William accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age. When he was not working, he enjoyed working on cars, riding motorcycles, cooking, fishing, and traveling.

After serving for the United States Army in which he served 3 years during the Korean War. William moved to Kansas City and worked for VA hospital as a cook, something he enjoyed doing. We will miss his famous chili that we begged for even in the summertime. (He also had a habit of cooking things and not telling us what it was until we ate it). He moved on and worked for the United State Postal Service as a Mechanics Supervisor.

Here in Kansas City, he met Merlie Adams. They married and had had 3 children, Gwendolyn Starnes (Bruner), Bernard Starnes, and Stacey Starnes (Diggs). They were also blessed with 2 other daughters, Flora Adams (McDonald) and Patricia Adams (Slaughter). We were known as the AKA “Jackson Five”.

William was a loyal member of Koran Temple #33, Prince Hall Shriners, Prudence Lodge #6, Holy Royal Arch Masons. Where he was loyal and devoted as a member and held a prominent position as Past Master until retiring.

Thee all his children graduated and set out on their own – Bill decided to retire after 33 years from the United States Postal Service and return to his home state of Oklahoma to get away from the city life – so the couple moved to Norman, Oklahoma in 1991 – where they spent many days fishing together at the local lakes. William became an active and beloved member of Community Missionary Baptist Church – Norman, OK – where Pastor Richard H. Gaines presided. William and Merlie lived happily in Oklahoma for over 30 years – until recently. William longed to return to Kansas City, MO to be closer to his family – with the support of son Bernard, daughter Gwendolyn and grandson Bryan – the move to Kansas City that William so desired to return to KC which it became a reality in the Late Spring of 2022.

William “Bill” leaves to cherish his children, Gwendolyn Starnes (Bruner), Bernard Starnes (Paula), Flora McDonald, and Patricia Slaughter, a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, church family and friends.