Roland (Cactus) Starr peacefully went home on February 17, 2025, surrounded by his children.
He was born to Winston Starr and Virginia (Davis) Starr on July 25, 1938, in Okemah, Oklahoma.
He married Sharon B. Starr (Tipps) on November 8, 1957. Together they had three children, Wendy (Woody) Wright, Jimmy Starr and Kelly (Jacquiline) Starr, seven grandchildren, Michele Padilla, Yvonne Wright, Kayla (Bryan) Williams, Tiffany Baker, Dustin Starr, Rocky Starr, Samantha (Guy) Sullenger. 16 great grandchildren and one great, great granddaughter.
Roland was an extremely hard working man whose main goal in life was to take care of his family. He worked as a residential construction supervisor for Quality Drywall / D&G Walls and Coatings in Phoenix, Arizona before returning to Artesia, where he worked as a project manager for FLETC facilities contractors Ramcor, Pyramid, and Omni. He retired in 2015 to enjoy more time with family, going fishing and hunting.
Roland was loyal to his family, friends and employers. He was raised in a family of faith and he was a strong believer in Jesus Christ. He anxiously looked forward to going home to his Savior, his wife, his son and family who awaited his arrival.
Survivors include his brother, Samuel R. Starr of San Jose, California.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his son, Jimmy, his brother, Austin Starr and sister, Odessa Tucker.
A funeral service will be held at Terpening & Son Chapel on Friday, February 21, 2025 at 10:00 am with a burial to immediately follow at Woodbine Cemetery. Officiating will be Ronnie Williams.
Pallbearers will be Kelly Starr, Woody Wright, Rocky Starr, Dustin Starr, Bryan Williams, and Tristan Baker.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
611 W. Grand Ave., Artesia, NM 88210
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.


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