GARY STARKE

1953 - 2024

GARY STARKE Gary Harlan Starke, 71 of Higginsville, died on March 1, 2024 in a motor vehicle accident. He was born February 4, 1953 in Lexington, Missouri to Harlan and Betty (Stiegemeyer) Starke. He graduated from Higginsville High School in 1971 and attended the University of Missouri for a couple of years before coming home to work on the farm. He farmed for over 30 years. While still farming, Gary went to work for the Higginsville Habilitation Center, and then for Northwest Community Services as a direct care provider, totaling over 30 years. His selfless, kind, devoted and caring personality was a perfect fit for the job. He made everyone feel special and was beloved by all that knew him. While growing up, Gary attended Salem United Church of Christ in Higginsville. On October 24, 1992 he married Terie (Melies) Shull at Salem UCC in Arrow Rock, MO. Terie grew up in the Catholic faith. Gary received Catholic instruction and their marriage was convalidated on May 24, 1997 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Higginsville. He became a very active member of the church, serving on the parish council, as an usher and Eucharistic minister, delivering Meals on Wheels, and helping at dinners and events. He joined the Knights of Columbus and became a 3rd degree member. Gary was an avid sports fan. He loved watching most any sport, from professionals to grandkids. He followed Missouri sports teams; Chiefs, Royals, MU, he cheered them all on. He also loved to play pickleball in the morning and Tuesday afternoon senior golf league at the Higginsville Country Club. Gary had lots of friends, and with Gary, there was always fun. Gary and Terie loved to travel. They visited every state in the union except Alaska, and that trip had been planned for this summer. They enjoyed traveling to casinos and to visit friends, including an annual winter trip to Yuma, AZ. Gary had a way of making people feel special and you felt like a better person for knowing him. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Gary was preceded in death by, his father; step-father, Leland Rinne; infant sister, Patricia; brother-in-law, Randy Smith. He is survived by: Wife: Terie Mother: Betty Rinne of Higginsville Daughter: Sabra Starke-McDowell (Bill) of Lawson Sons: ryan Starke (Anna) of Olathe Chris Shull (Tammy) of Lincoln, MO Kevin Shull (Emily) of Columbia Kyle Shull (JoAnn) of Columbia Sister: Pamela Smith of Van Alstyne, TX Nieces: Torrie Levins (James) of McKinney, TX Ashlynn Robinson (Drew) of Princeton, TX Nephew: Caleb Smith (Laura) of Dallas, TX Grandchildren: Zoey, Avery, Ethan Starke of Olathe Charlotte, Brennan McDowell of Lawson Cecilia, David, Henry Shull of Columbia Luke, Isaac, Clare, Andr ew Shull of Columbia Derick Barker (Amber)of Odessa Brittany Barker of Odessa 5 Great Grandchildren Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 10:30 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church, officiated by Reverend Tom Hawkins and Reverend Dr. Tommy Faris. Memorials are suggested to the Husker Booster Club or St. Mary's Catholic Church. Condolences may be left for the family at www.kaiserwiegers.com