- Date Of Birth: February 22, 1934
- Date Of Death: May 18, 2022
- State: Texas
Delmar E. Starnes, February 22, 1934 – May 18, 2022.
Delmar Ezelle Starnes, age 88, born in Barnhill, Illinois, died May 18, 2022 in Temple, Texas. After graduating from Rochelle Township High School where he was celebrated for football, boxing and track, Del attended the University of Illinois. He interrupted his education to join the U.S. Air Force and served honorably for 20 years as a B-52 crew chief and instructor. He also played for the Air Force football team. Del was stationed around the world; Japan, the South Pacific, Texas, Illinois, Michigan, Germany and Spain.
With his then-wife Dorothy Sue and his three children, the family took long car trips around Europe, camping and experiencing different cultures. Shortly before his retirement as a Senior Master Sergeant he returned to Austin’s Bergstrom Air Force Base. Post-retirement he launched a second career as an entrepreneur, opening a rental business in Austin, United Rent-All, which he ran for over 35 years.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 38 years, Claudia Sue Starnes; his daughter, Deborah Renee Bertolette (and husband Reed), son Steve Starnes (and wife Jane), son Darin Starnes, his stepdaughter, Kellie Mendoza (and husband Marco), grandchildren Christine and Jessica Starnes, Justin and Benjamin Mendoza, and great-grandchildren, Gigi and Delmar M. Starnes. Del was preceded in death by his parents, Gussie Arthur Starns and Mary Masterson Starns, and his six siblings: Ruth, Lois, Gussie, Genevieve, Paul, and Florence.
Del was raised in a Christian home, and later in life, he served the Lord by ministering to others in a time of need. He was a faithful servant to the Lord. When he remarried, he become stepfather to Kellie and as a father figure mentored and lovingly nurtured her as he had done with his first three children. He was known as a gregarious and loyal man, with a quick smile, a firm handshake, or a big hug. He loved telling stories and had a tale about everyone. Anecdotes about himself were often punctuated with a colorful irreverence for authority. Del had an uncanny ability to communicate with animals, training his dogs to ride tricycles and a stationary bike. Throughout his illness, Del maintained a gracious nature and a positive, yet realistic outlook. He often serenaded his family and caretakers with a song.
