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Albert Starr Obituary
Albert Oliver Starr, 94 of Midland, passed away surrounded by family on December 30, 2024 at Storypoint of Midland. He was born on May 19, 1930 in Hadley, MI to the late Hiram and Anna (Featherstone) Starr. Albert married the love of his life Mary Beth Hemphill on June 3, 1956 and they shared sixty-eight loving years together.
Albert was the youngest of 8. He entered the Army after his father passed in 1953 and served in Germany in the armored battalion. After his honorable service, he began working at General Motors and met his future wife Mary Hemphill and got married on June 3, 1956 in Hamilton, Texas. Albert then entered college and got a bachelor's degree from CMU in 1960. After receiving his degree, he began working at the Midland Public Schools as a teacher and counselor. While working as a teacher he also went back to CMU and earned his master's degree and worked on his doctorate.
He retired in 1993 and began a long number of tours and cruises. He had his favorite spots that said as much about him as it did the spot. His hobbies included classic cars, travel, history, geography, and major current local and world events.
He had a wonderful sense of humor and always had a story to tell. His memory was excellent and he will be missed greatly.
Albert is survived by his devoted wife; Mary Starr, brother in-law; Thomas (Sally Kay) Hemphill, and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will take place at 11:00am on January 11, 2025 at Memorial Presbyterian Church with Pastor Wallace H. Mayton officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00am until time of service.
In lieu of flowers those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Memorial Presbyterian Church and/or nonprofit of donor's choice in his honor.
Smith-Miner Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Starr family; to share a special memory please visit www.smithminer.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Albert Starr
Lori (Campbell) Belanger
January 14, 2025
Mr. Starr was my counselor at Midland High (class of 1975). He was an excellent counselor and mentor. My friends and I would go in just to visit with him. He always had time for us. He was the best.
Sherry Kremer
January 12, 2025
Mr. Starr was an excellent teacher. I learned so much from him.
gene johnson
January 7, 2025
One of my favorite uncles.
Jeanne Black
January 5, 2025
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Charlene Linderman Tenniswood
January 5, 2025
Mr. Starr was my counselor my last semester of high school. He went beyond the call of duty to help me graduate early and start college without a high school diploma. Midland Public schools had no policy for early graduation and I understand he faced some consequences for his efforts, although I never heard that from him. Later, I taught with Mary Starr at Woodcrest Elementary and enjoyed getting to know her. It was always a pleasure to run into them around town over the years. Mary, I´m so sorry for your loss. Al was a great guy!
Darlene McLean Gilbert
January 4, 2025
I knew Mr. Starr from school. He was a great person. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Laura and Mark Freed
January 4, 2025
We are saddened to learn of Al´s passing. I had the pleasure of working with him at Midland High School for several years. He counseled many of my students and was always willing to go the extra mile to work in their best interest. His quiet demeanor and friendliness were qualities I will remember.
After his retirement, Mark and I often ran into Al and his wife around town and it was always nice to spend a few minutes catching up. I will miss those encounters and Al.
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