Lester Baxter Starnes

Lester Baxter Starnes, Jr.

May 6, 1949-August 9, 2025

Lester was born at Fitkin Hospital in Neptune, NJ and died peacefully at home with his loved ones by his side. His parents were Phyllis Helen Bubadias and Lester Baxter Starnes, but he was raised by his maternal grandparents, Florence (Johnson) and Reginald White of Neptune.

He served in the US Army from 1969 to 1972 and was stationed in Greece and Germany. Upon his return to the States, he resided in Somerset County before coming back down to his beloved Jersey Shore.

Lester was a first rate automotive and truck mechanic originally, but found his way to a long and happy, extremely successful career as a marine mechanic. He was the owner and operator of Blackfoot Mobile Marine Service, established in 1992 and based in Atlantic Highlands, which he built with an early Ford Bronco, a toolbox, his pair of workboots, and the best pair of hands to ever twist a wrench. He became part of the fabric of the community there and was known for hosting his annual holiday parties. Forced to close his shop in late 2021, he hoped he would find a suitable location to resume his business someday.

Lester was a friend to many, a cherished and adored father to two: Kris (Aimee) Starnes of St. Augustine, FL. and Brookelynn (Howie) Statland of Hurley, NY. He was grandfather to Kris, Anassa (Scott), Kirsten (Anthony) and Jude. He was great-grandfather to Avery, Colton and Emery. He has three siblings, Wanda (Jim) Gammon of Wall, NJ, Reginald (Sharon) Starnes of Parma, OH and Anna Starnes of Maryland. Lester was an uncle to Sandi Gammon Sigler, Jimmy Gammon, Reggie Starnes and Salina Starnes Hass and their families. He is survived by his devoted wife, Dawn Starnes and his dogs, Lewis and Lily. He was a caring and demonstrative employer to his staff. Leslie Knott was his decades-long office manager, loyal friend, and essentially kept the boat business "afloat" in his absence.

Lester was a uniquely inspirational, one of a kind, self-made success in his all too short time here...independent, charismatic, funny, charming, sensitive, compassionate, generous, intuitive, spontaneous, curious, practical yet frivolous, FUN, dapper, devastatingly handsome, imaginative, mischievous, nostalgic, magnetic, fearless, patient, focused, STEADY AND READY.

He had nine lives, much like the black cats he had such a strong affinity for.

We are thankful to have had this magnificent man here for 76 years, and he fought to stay on this earth with all of his might.

To know him was to love him, and to love him was MAGIC.