Jeremy D. King

Jeremy Dean "Dino" King, age 35, of Joplin, passed away at 7:10 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, at St. John's Regional Medical Center. While his death was sudden, Jeremy had surmounted many health issues since birth, including Marfan Syndrome, which affected his heart and mobility. Born June 24, 1974, in Carthage, Mo., he lived in Catoosa from age 2 to 11 years, when he returned to the Joplin area. He was a 1992 graduate of Carl Junction High School. For over 15 years, he proudly worked in environmental services for St. John's Regional Medical Center. During his recent hospitalization, his parents were heartened to learn how many of his co-workers were true friends, who loved and respected him. Jeremy was kind-hearted, sensitive to others' needs and loved animals, particularly his cat, Gremlin. He had a sharp mind, loved to read and was gifted at remembering and memorization. Of specific interest were Joplin and Jasper County history, particularly the history of St. John's. Jeremy was also interest in Russia, his mother's decedents' country of origin and Jewish history as it relates to Judeo-Christian faith. He was a former member of Eastland Baptist Church in Tulsa, where he was active in Awana and later was saved and baptized. He is now a member of Central City Christian Church. Survivors include his mother, Patty L. (Houdyshell) Starchman and her husband, Clifford L. "Pete" Starchman, of Joplin; father, Ronald King, of Catoosa, Okla.; brother, Richard Starchman and wife, Stacey, of Joplin; sister, Karla Dickson and husband, Phil, of Joplin; nieces and nephews, Logan and Ethan Starchman, Sydney and Lyndsey Dickson; maternal grandmothers, Violet Houdyshell and Betty Starchman, both of Joplin; paternal grandmother, Donna King, of Catoosa; uncles and aunts, Ron and Angie Houdyshell, Tim and Becky Houdyshell, Steve and Jane Smith, John and Judy Madison, all of Joplin, Terry and Angel Baker, of Claremore, Okla., and Tommy and Deann Taylor, of Willard, Mo.; many cousins and friends. Preceding him in death were maternal grandfather, Dave Houdyshell; and paternal grandfathers, Clifford "Cedar" Starchman and Fred King. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Central City Christian Church, located at 783 South Central City Road with Johnie Adkins and Matt Proctor, ministers officiating. Interment will follow in Union Chapel Cemetery, north of Galena, Kan. Cousins serving as pallbearers will be Dave, Joe and Ronnie Houdyshell, Jimmy, Tim and Randy Morgan, Todd Endicott and Dave Stapleton. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Parker Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to Central City Christian Church Building Fund. Online condolences may be made at parkermortuary.com